Facelift surgery has its risks and benefits. Give this a read to know the possible risks of the procedure.
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is aimed at giving a youthful look to the face. It focuses on reshaping the lower part of the face by the removal of excess facial skin. It tightens the hanging, loose skin present around the jawlines. The deep creases around the nose and mouth are removed during this procedure.
The Possible risks of facelift surgery
Undergoing plastic surgery is an extremely personal decision. Thus, you will need to consider the possible benefits in reaching your goals and weigh them against the potential complications and risks associated with the surgery. It is a decision that you will have to make for yourself.
You will have to sign the consent forms at the hospital to make sure that you completely understand the procedure, associated risks, and potential complexities.
Risks are rare in the case of facelift surgery, though they might include:
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia risks
- Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary and cardiac complications
- Fluid accumulation
- Facial nerve injuries with persistent weakness
- Infection
- Persistent pain
- Numbness or any other change in natural skin sensation
- Skin loss and poor wound healing
- Discoloration and skin irregularities
- Continued swelling
- Sutures might spontaneously come up through your skin, get visible or lead to irritation that needs removal
- Unfavorable scarring
- Permanent or temporary hair loss at the site of incisions
- Unsatisfactory results might include asymmetry, prominent location of surgical scars, and visible deformities present at the incisions’ ends
Though the risks are rare, there are chances of complications. Your doctor will inform you about all the possible risks before you give your nod to the surgery.
Things to consider before facelift surgery
To reduce the chances of complications from a face lift surgery, the given points have to be considered.
- Facelift surgeries are not recommended for people with serious medical issues. The candidate has to be in sound physical and mental health.
- Patients having diabetes and high blood pressure have a greater risk of facing complications.
- Tobacco use and cigarette smoking increase the risks of complications after the surgery as it interferes with wound healing. Thus, if you are considering facelifts, you should stop smoking and using any nicotine product completely.
- It’s crucial to set a reasonable expectation and keep in mind that facelifts do not stop the aging process.
- Patients must not take aspirin or any other blood thinner for a week before the surgery
- Good bone structure and skin elasticity will get you the best results.
Recovering from a facelift surgery
Most patients face some kind of discomfort, though medications are available to relieve tenderness. Swelling and bruising remain at their peak for two days, but they start going down after that. You can expect to recover within two weeks, though resuming all activities will take around four weeks.
Endnote
Your surgeon will inform you about all the possible benefits and complications before the procedure. Weigh both these aspects carefully in your mind before you decide to go for the surgery.
