What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?
Maintaining healthy and youthful skin is not something people think about until they’re in their 40s and 50s, and by this time, there’s little that serums and creams will do.
Those who want to turn the clock back on their faces can try Restylane or Botox, but these dermal fillers lose their effects in as little as six months. One long-lasting solution to wrinkly and saggy skin is a facelift procedure.
A facelift improves multiple visible signs of aging in the face and neck in just one procedure, which is why it is so popular. It’s also helpful for those with busy schedules and those who don’t want multiple surgeries.
However, just like any other kind of surgery, a facelift comes with its fair share of risks. These can be minimized by going to a renowned plastic surgeon for facelifts. If you are looking to get facial lift surgery in Los Angeles, you should visit the double board-certified plastic surgeons of Westside Face.
Any Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon will tell you that the decision to have facelift surgery is completely yours and that you shouldn’t let anyone pressure you into it. Our surgeons don’t believe in undergoing plastic surgery unless you are confident that recovery time is something you want to undergo.
You will be asked to sign patient consent forms to acknowledge that you are aware of the risks and complications associated with the facelift procedure. It’s important that you understand the worst-case scenarios that may happen, despite their small likelihood.
Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia
Patients who are undergoing facial lift surgery must also undergo either general or local anesthesia. Some doctors may prefer to do general anesthesia where you are unconscious while other doctors may just numb the area.
While anesthesia is seen as a triumph of modern medicine, adverse reactions do happen. These side effects usually occur straight after the anesthesia, and they are very rare.
Scientists have found that certain populations are more likely to have adverse side effects, and these populations include those with:
- Heart or lung problems
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Sleep Apnea
- High blood pressure
Facial Nerve Injury
Nerve injury is rare, occurring in around 2% of facelift patients, and usually goes away within 24 hours. Permanent nerve injuries can also happen, affecting the sensory and motor nerves in the face and your ability to make facial expressions. The great auricular nerve is the most frequently injured and results in facial numbness.
Nerve damage occurs when the incision is too deep, so it’s important to choose a surgeon with a steady hand.
Fluid Accumulation
Fluid buildup is a possibility after any kind of surgery. Fluids can accumulate at the incision site in the days or weeks following your Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgery. Doctors refer to fluid accumulation as seroma and it’s completely normal; however, this can cause dangerous changes to your heart rate and blood pressure.
After your surgery, your doctor should fit you with a surgical drainage system that will help the drainage of excess fluid.
Heavy Bleeding
Bleeding is the most common complication after facial lift surgery, and it should be noted that some oozing of blood is normal, but anyone experiencing heavy bleeding should call a doctor. Certain populations are at risk for heavy bleeding after surgery, and these populations include those with high blood pressure.
If you are experiencing excessive bleeding after surgery, this can be a sign that your stitches are coming undone, and you shouldn’t hesitate to contact our office.
Infection at Incision Site
Aftercare is very important to prevent infection at your surgical site. When you leave your surgery, our office will give you a list of aftercare instructions so that your healing incision site does not get infected.
It’s important not to touch your sutures in the first few days after your surgery, so consult your doctor before you start trying to clean your surgical site yourself.
Scarring
Since most people get a facelift or mini facelift for vanity purposes, they don’t want to have visible scars on their face. Any kind of facelift involves a surgeon cutting into your skin, so scarring is inevitable; however, our doctors pride themselves on minimal visible scarring after our surgeries.
A good plastic surgeon in LA will place their incision sites in easy to obscure places like your hairline, temples, and above your ears. If your hair does not cover your surgical site, the scars are often faint enough to be covered with makeup.
About Our Los Angeles Plastic Surgery Offices
Dr. Aynehchi of Westside Face is one of the only double board-certified plastic surgeons in the state, and he specializes in minimal scarring and giving patients a quick recovery.
Our doctors will meet with you to discuss your insecurities with your face, and we will give you a recommendation based on your concerns and your natural face shape. If you are nervous about the surgery, we can work with you to pick a procedure that is less invasive than a facelift, such as neck liposuction or facial fat transfer.
Our surgeons specialize in giving patients the shortest recovery time possible so that they can get back to doing what they love. We understand that lying in bed and recovering is not desirable, so we try to make our surgeries fast and painless.
If you are interested in reducing your wrinkles and sagging, contact the surgeons at Westside Face to set up a consultation.
