Excess skin is removed, underlying tissues are tightened, and facial fat is repositioned during facelift surgery, sometimes called rhytidectomy, a cosmetic technique intended to enhance the look of the face. Facelift surgery is a significant operation with the potential for good outcomes, but it also carries the risk of serious complications. To decide whether or not a facelift is correct for you, it is essential to learn about the risks and side effects associated with the operation.
Scarring is a typical complication of facelift surgery. Your surgeon will take every precaution to reduce scarring, but avoiding it is unrealistic altogether. Scarring will occur where the incisions are made and the surgery is done. The incisions will often be hidden inside the hairline or behind the ears to reduce the appearance of scars. However, scarring may be more prominent or take longer to diminish in certain instances.
A subcutaneous hematoma is a rare but possible complication of facelift surgery. When blood vessels are broken during surgery, hematomas form, resulting in swelling, pain, and discomfort. Hematomas are blood clots that sometimes need to be drained or surgically removed. Hematomas are a concern with every surgical operation. Still, they may be reduced by following your surgeon's pre-and post-operative instructions and not taking blood-thinning medication.
Incisions and manipulation of facial tissues during facelift surgery might cause permanent nerve injury. Facial numbness, tingling, and lack of feeling may be transitory or chronic symptoms of nerve injury. Facial expressions may be altered because of nerve injury that also affects the function of the facial muscles. It is essential to talk to your surgeon about the dangers of facelift surgery, including the possibility of nerve damage.
Any surgical operation, including a facelift, has the risk of infection. If the surgical region is not thoroughly cleansed and maintained after the surgery, germs may enter the incision site and cause an infection. Inflammation, discomfort, fever, and redness are all possible signs of infection. Antibiotics or more surgery may be necessary to treat infections. Following your surgeon's pre-and post-operative care instructions to the letter and keeping the surgery area clean and dry will help reduce your risk of infection.
In the days and weeks after a facelift, it is not uncommon for the patient to have swelling and bruising. Swelling and bruises may be more noticeable in the days immediately after the treatment, but they'll fade with time. There may be some swelling and bruising that doesn't go away for a while following surgery. If you properly follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions and rest up the days following the surgery, you may reduce the swelling and bruising you experience.
It is common for patients to have some level of pain or discomfort in the days and weeks after their facelift surgery. You'll feel some pain or discomfort in the days after surgery, but your doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help. However, you must strictly adhere to your surgeon's post-operative recommendations to speed up the healing process and reduce postoperative pain and suffering.
Finally, it is essential to note that facelift surgery may significantly enhance the patient's facial look. To make a well-informed choice, however, you must be aware of the possible dangers and side effects of the treatment.