Risks of Face Lift Surgery

Although face lift surgery is considered relatively safe, there are certain complications and risks inherent in any surgical procedure. Some scarring should be expected, but an experienced plastic surgeon can minimize and hide face lift scars. For this reason, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to perform your face lift surgery. Read the information below to learn more about the risks of face lift surgery.

Potential Face Lift Complications

Following face lift surgery, complications sometimes occur. These often prove to be temporary, and may include blood or fluid retention under the skin, crusting of face lift scars, and numbness. The risk of nerve damage or infection after a face lift is low, but does exist. Neck lifts and brow lifts are less complicated procedures that usually involve less pain and lower risk than a complete face lift. The cosmetic surgeon should discuss all possible complications and risks of face lift surgery with the patient before the procedure is performed.

Common Postoperative Complications

Although face lift surgery is one of the safest cosmetic procedures available, any operation comes with the possibility of complications. Some of the most common postoperative face lift complications are:

• Reaction to the anesthesia – some face lift patients experience nausea and general sickness after receiving anesthesia; this is a short-lasting side effect and usually diminishes completely after a few hours.
• Hematoma – if bleeding occurs under the skin, a hematoma can develop, leaving the area painfully swollen; an operation is required to stop the flow and remove the blood.
• Bleeding – although some light, postoperative bleeding is normal, uncontrolled bleeding is dangerous and can lead to painful hematomas.
• Infection – typically occurring in a specific area, symptoms of infection are swelling, sensitivity, redness, and localized heat. Unless it is severe, an infection can be relieved with antibiotics.

Risks Specific to Face Lift Surgery

Aside from the risks inherent in any surgical procedure, risks specific to face lift surgery include:

• Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles - this is usually temporary.
• Problems with healing of the skin - this is common for patients who smoke.
• Scarring - there will be some scarring, although the surgeon will always try to hide the face lift scars.
• Crust on the incisions - this will be temporary.
• Numbness or tingling around the incision areas - this should be temporary.
• Skin or hair loss - this is rare.
• Skin discoloration - this is a rare condition that can continue for several months.

In addition to the risks stated above, men may find they will need to shave behind the neck or ears on areas of beard-bearing skin that have been moved.

Face Lift Scars – What to Expect

As with any type of surgery, a face lift does leave scars. However, today’s cosmetic surgery techniques are more advanced than ever. After a face lift, scars may be located in various places on the face depending upon the procedure and the particular plastic surgeon. These scars will begin to fade after a few weeks and should be undetectable after one to three months. The most common face lift scars are found around the ear and beneath the chin.

DocShop – Connecting Patients with Doctors

If you are worried about the complications and risks of face lift surgery, and want to know more about specific face lift procedures, get answers from a skilled doctor in your area. DocShop can help you get connected with the right cosmetic surgeon. Locate a doctor now through our national directory.