Hospital treatment of subcutaneous hematoma due to chin liposuction: an unusual case report

Abstract

Chin liposuction is a procedure for removing fat from the submental region that can generate significant aesthetic and functional complications. Subcutaneous hematoma is one of these unusual physical changes and is characterized by the accumulation of blood in an ectopic space. A 25-year-old Caucasian male patient came to the emergency room 3 days after double chin liposuction, complaining of decreased cervical mobility, shortness of breath, pain, and aesthetic damage. Physical, imaging, and laboratory tests showed extensive subcutaneous hematoma associated with significant leukocytosis. The patient was hospitalized and submitted to surgical drainage of the submandibular, submental, and cervical fascial spaces in addition to intravenous anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication. After hospital discharge, he was followed up as an outpatient. There was complete remission of signs and symptoms and functional recovery. The correct diagnosis and management of subcutaneous hematoma offers a volumetric reduction of the affected area, allows favorable positioning of tissue planes, ensures airway maintenance, and improves local aesthetics. Thus, adequate control of this complication contributes positively to the patient’s quality of life.