Of all invasive cosmetic procedures, facelifts have one of the lowest rates of complications after surgery. While every facelift will have a moderately tough recovery period, fewer than 2 percent of facelifts result in major complications, the most common of which are easily corrected if brought to the surgeon’s attention quickly.
As we age, it’s normal for our skin to begin sagging, wrinkling, and displaying other ‘flaws.’
This, you may have noticed, is a totally normal part of aging for most people.
Areas that were formerly firm and smooth start to wrinkle. Facials and other non-invasive treatments work to a point, but are unlikely to positively impact overall facial aging. When the face is obviously aged, some people consider more dramatic and long-term remedies, like a facelift.
Before you decide to go through with a facelift, you should be aware of potential dangers and side effects.
Here are the 10 most common complications associated with a facelift:
Table of Contents
1. Bleeding or hemorrhage
After surgery, unusual bleeding might turn into a hematoma, which is a collection of blood beneath the skin. Hematomas may be caused by a variety of factors, such as high blood pressure, problems with blood coagulation, and vigorous activities. A hematoma may manifest as rapid swelling, soreness, bluish-purple skin coloring, a lump that hurts, or bruising that becomes worse rather than better. Should this occur, be sure to inform your surgeon immediately so that it can be corrected. Correction is usually done simply by inserted a hollow needle into the affected portion of the face, through which the pooled blood is then allowed to drain out.
2. Infection
Surgical facelift incisions provide a possible entrance point for microorganisms, raising the risk of infection. Your facelift’s ultimate outcomes and the visibility of scars might both be impacted if the infection is severe enough to prevent the incision from healing correctly.
3. Scarring
Scars are a common result of surgery, and facelifts are no exception. The face normally heals nicely, and facelift incisions are strategically positioned to reduce exposure around the hairline and ears. Skilled surgeons use specialized procedures to nearly eradicate scarring, including accurate closure and the application of numerous layers to ease skin tension. You may promote a speedy recovery after surgery and lower the possibility of noticeable scars by carefully adhering to your doctor’s post-operative recommendations.
[See also: 12 Best Ways to Hide Facelift Scars]
General anesthesia, or local anesthetic are both options that might be used during your facelift procedures. Common side effects include temporary drowsiness, nausea, or sore throat. These symptoms usually go away in a day or two. Rarely, anesthesia-related complications like an allergic response might occur.
5. Delayed recovery
Everyone recovers at their own rate. Some are slower or faster than others. Because of your age, genetics, skin type, state of general health, and kind of operation, your recovery period may vary. Delay in healing may occur in certain individuals, which may lead to persistent edema and other adverse effects.
[See also: 20 Tips for Better, Facelift Recovery]
6. Loss of tissue
Surgery always entails tissue cutting, which jeopardizes the tissues’ blood supply. Facelift treatments are often well tolerated since the blood supply to the face is generally extremely strong. In very rare cases, tissue necrosis might occur due to poor circulation to the skin, fat, or muscle. Skin slough, wound deterioration, increased scarring, and/or shape defects might be caused by tissue necrosis.
7. Structure damage
There may be some damage to supporting tissues such as nerves, fat, muscles, blood vessels, and salivary glands. These instances are rare but they do occur. They are also unlikely to cause any significant or long-lasting damage, but would be more likely to manifest in a slight twitch of the nerves, for instance.
8. Seroma
After surgery, fluid may accumulate under the skin and resemble a lump or cyst that is enlarged. This might happen when tissue has been moved or disturbed, such as the site of an incision. The term “seroma” refers to this fluid accumulation. The accumulation of fluid doesn’t always happen right away after surgery; it might start to gather and grow a few days or even a few weeks later.
9. Reactions to allergens
Certain medications or supplies used during or after surgery may cause an adverse response in some individuals. The majority of responses are mild, and they may be managed properly if they do happen. There are times when allergic responses might be more severe and need further care.
10. Results that were inadequate
Facelifts by qualified plastic surgeons have a very high success rate, but there is a very tiny possibility that you won’t be satisfied with the outcome. Reputable doctors cannot promise outcomes since the profession of medicine and surgery is not a precise science.
Facelifts include some of the same complications as any surgical procedure, though because the face is such an obvious part of the body, the adverse reactions and complications are usually more concerning.
Researching the risks involved, speaking with your doctor, and paying attention to instructions both before and after your procedure may considerably lessen many of them. While there are some obvious complications, if you choose your surgeon carefully, you can usually get the best possible results for your unique facial frame and your cosmetic goals.
Tips to help prevent facelift complications
We provide a series of articles that may help you better understand various aspects of facelift surgery including the following:
- 5 Ways to Prepare for a Facelift
- 26 Things Not to Do Before Plastic Surgery
- 20 Tips for Better, Faster Facelift Recovery
- Can You Eat Normally After a Facelift?
- The 6 Food Types to Avoid After Plastic Surgery
(As with the remainder of the information we provide, these articles are not offered as nor intended to be construed as medical advice of any kind, nor do they replace or alter any direction you may get or may have gotten from your surgeon.)
May they help you put your best face forward!
Good luck.
Photo by Bahaa A. Shawqi
