Any surgery comes with risk, and facelift surgery is no exception. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries with high rates of overall patient satisfaction. Facelift surgery, when done by a skilled facial plastic surgeon, can take years off a person’s appearance while looking completely natural. It’s important to understand all possible risks associated with facelift surgery and to research the credentials of the facelift surgeon. The risk of facelift complications is greatly reduced with an experienced facelift surgeon.
While serious risks are rare, there are less serious complications that often occur following facelift surgery, such as bruising and swelling. A facelift surgeon who performs facelift surgeries on a regular basis will educate you on what to expect following facelift surgery and how you can minimize any complications.
Anesthesia
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a surgical facility, unless Dr. Thompson is performing a mini facelift (MACS facelift), which is done in-office under local anesthetic. The risk for general anesthesia is mild but there is a potential for having a reaction to anesthesia. This typically takes the form of temporary nausea as the drug wears off. To prevent more serious complications from occuring, an experienced facelift surgeon will do a thorough exam of a patients medical history, current medications and illnesses, alcohol use and tobacco use, any of which may increase the risk of an adverse reaction. Dr. Thompson will also ask about a patients history with general anesthesia and any previous adverse reactions.
Medical Conditions
Dr. Thompson screens all of his patients prior to surgery to make sure they are healthy and qualified for facelift surgery. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can increase the risk of facelift complications. In such cases, Dr. Thompson would only consider surgery with the approval of the physician treating these conditions. It’s important that a patient and facelift surgeon have thorough and open communication prior to facelift surgery.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle factors can also increase ones risks of complications with facelift surgery. Smoking in particular can cause problems, such scarring, skin necrosis, slow and poor healing. It is recommended that a patient stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery. Alcohol should not be consumed 1-2 weeks prior to surgery as consumption can increase a patients bleeding risk. Always be open and honest with your facelift surgeon prior to surgery to avoid any complications and ensure a speedy recovery.
Bleeding and Hematoma
Bleeding is normal following surgery and it’s very rare that bleeding will be excessive. If it is and is not treated, it can lead to a hematoma, or bleeding under the skin that requires quick intervention. Patients at a greater risk for a hematoma include patients with high blood pressure or hypertension, those that take aspirin regularly, those who smoke and those that are on blood thinners. All conditions will be discussed prior to surgery to prevent the likelihood of developing a hematoma.
To discuss facelift surgery with an experienced facelift surgeon
, call (801)776-2220 for a free consultation with Dr. Thompson through Skype or in our Layton, Bountiful, or Draper location.