Face Lift Side Effects

The potential side effects of a face lift procedure are more or less the same as they are for any surgical procedure. There are, however, a few complications that are unique to the face lift procedure. As with any other surgery, it is important to keep in mind that there are myriad factors that will affect your individual healing time. For example, it has been documented that smokers face a 1500 percent increase in complications following a face lift procedure. Learn more about what to expect after face lift surgery below:

Pain after Face Lift Surgery — What to Expect

Most patients report very minor pain following face lift surgery, though your surgeon may prescribe a pain medication to alleviate this minor discomfort. Severe or sudden pain should be reported to your physician immediately. Some numbness of the skin is perfectly normal, however, and should fade within several days.

Face Lift Swelling

You may be surprised at the amount of swelling that occurs immediately following your face lift surgery, but don’t be discouraged. Swelling is simply the body’s natural reaction to an injury, and it will subside as the body begins to heal itself. Swelling may begin to subside after just a few days, though you will probably still notice some swelling several weeks after your face lift surgery.

Face Lift Bruising

Just like swelling, bruising is completely natural following a face lift procedure as your body reacts to the changes. Bruising will be the most pronounced in the first few days of recovery after face lift surgery, and is usually particularly pronounced around the eyes. While most bruising will vanish in a couple of weeks, full healing may take months. However, you will notice marked improvement every day following your face lift procedure.

Face Lift Scarring

Scars will usually remain pink for several months before turning a less noticeable white. However, one of the benefits of standard facelift procedures is that much of the scarring left by face lift surgery is hidden above the hairline, and most people will not have major issues with scarring after a face lift.

Speak with a Face Lift Surgeon in Your Area

To learn more about potential complications from a face lift procedure, locate a qualified surgeon in your area. Your surgeon will examine you and your medical history, and give you a thorough explanation of all of the potential risks you may face.