Facelifts can be highly effective in rejuvenating the neck and jawline, creating an aged appearance. But there are four potential risks of such surgery.
Surgeons perform this procedure by making incisions in discreet areas and making adjustments to muscles, tissues or skin that reposition or tighten accordingly. Extra skin may also be removed; prior to any procedure being conducted patients must disclose any medical conditions which might increase risks.
Bleeding
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery involves some risk of bleeding; this risk is minimized through careful surgical technique and patient selection. Patients who have poor blood circulation or bleeding disorders are at increased risk for complications like hematoma formation that needs drainage; such patients could include aspirin users as well as those taking medications designed to prevent blood clotting such as NSAIDs and ginkgo biloba.
Damage to nerves is always possible during facelift surgery and may result in temporary numbness or weakness that typically dissipates over time as healing progresses. On rare occasion, permanent nerve dysfunction may arise and usually only applies in instances involving significant tissue repositioning or large fat transfers.
Infection is an inherent risk of surgery and should be managed appropriately with antibiotic treatment. Patients may develop a rash-like patch on the skin which needs to be surgically addressed.
Infection
As with any surgery, there is the potential risk of infection following facelift surgery (rhytidectomy). Any infections diagnosed are treated with antibiotics and will typically resolve on their own within weeks or months.
Damage to facial nerves that control muscle movement is another serious risk associated with facelift surgery, potentially leaving permanent facial weakness. Luckily, this complication only occurs between 0.1% and 1.0% of cases.
Scarring can be another potential complication of facelift surgery; however, skilled surgeons can often make them virtually undetectable. Patients should follow all post-surgery instructions of their doctor for optimal healing and reduced scarring.
While facelift surgery can provide great rejuvenation benefits, it is crucial that patients first discuss all risks and benefits with their plastic surgeon before undertaking this procedure. An in-depth medical history review and physical exam are both useful in identifying whether you are eligible for facelift surgery; diabetes and hypertension as well as lifestyle habits like smoking can increase complications post-op significantly.
Damage to the Nerves
Facelift procedures put the skin, blood vessels and nerves at risk of injury during surgery. Damage may be temporary but in certain instances permanent nerve damage cannot regenerate; this could result in reduced facial movement, numbness or diminished sensation in the chin and neck area.
Every surgical procedure leaves scars behind, though skilled surgeons can reduce their visibility through careful placement and closure. Infection may widen existing scars or cause them to widen or become discolored – potentially leading to necrosis of skin necrosis as well as further complications.
Risks associated with facelift surgery can be minimized through careful patient selection and the selection of a reputable surgeon, pre and post operative care, realistic expectations and prompt medical intervention if complications arise. The best way to minimize complications associated with surgery is working with an experienced plastic surgeon and having realistic expectations. If symptoms indicate something is amiss after having been treated at one clinic for surgery contact them as soon as possible to receive prompt care and prompt treatment.
Changes in the Ears
Facelift procedures may also affect the position and shape of your ears, due to them becoming detached from facial tissue and then reattached at their lobules during this procedure. This may result in them appearing bunched-up or “pixie shaped”.
If the blood supply to your skin becomes inadequate after surgery, a seroma could develop. This happens when watery fluid accumulates under your skin at the site of incision and prevents deeper layers from attaching correctly. To address this, surgeons often install small drainage tubes after surgery that allow excess fluids to escape through passive suction.
Dr. Torgerson operates at his private clinic to minimize infection risks, which adheres to stringent standards of sterilization. Even so, complications may still arise after surgery – should any serious issues surface postoperatively contact your surgeon immediately for care.