5 months after fl/nl this mark is still on my neck. What is it, why won't it go away, and what can I do about it? Thank you.
This looks like something called hemosiderin staining which is basically the iron from red blood cells that is stuck in the dermis. This can occur with any bruise and acts like a tattoo in the effect of pigment stuck in the skin. But, unlike a tattoo, it will get better and go away. Unfortunately, it can take months to over a year to do that. The pigment sometimes responds to laser therapy using a Q-switch laser to help break down the hemosiderin so your tissues can better eliminate it from the area. I would recommend talking with your operating surgeon. If he or she does not have this type of laser, they could perhaps give you a referral to a physician (often a dermatologist) who does. I would recommend seeing an MD who specializes in laser therapies and not a medspa. This side effect does not alter the long term results of your neck lift and is a risk factor that is present in almost any surgery that leads to bruising.