Face Lift Side Effects and Risks

So you have decided that you may be interested in obtaining a facelift and are currently researching some of the important byproducts of this treatment. Much like any other surgical technique, facelift surgery (or rhytidectomy, as it is technically known) has its own share of side effects & risks. Considering the extensive effect it has on a patient, these risks should be expected. Many of the side effects & risks of face lift surgery is common to any surgical technique. However, there are some side effects & risks that are unique to facelift surgery.

The best way to minimize the side effects & risks of undergoing a facelift operation is to have the surgery performed by a board certified, highly qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation phase of the facelift surgical process, it is imperative that you choose a plastic surgeon that you feel has the necessary experience in performing this surgery to perform the operation. Having trust in your plastic surgeon will give you peace of mind. More importantly, the fact that you are undergoing this treatment from a trained medical practitioners whose qualifications and past operations you have researched will minimize the chances that side effects & risks will happen during or following your face lift surgery.

For your convenience, we have compiled the most common side effects & risks associated with facelift surgery:

• Allergic reaction to anesthetic: This is common to any surgical techniques that use anesthesia. Anesthesia is used during a facelift surgery to relax the patient and to allow the plastic surgeon to perform their work at the highest level without having to worry about distractions from the patient. Considering its power, it is not unheard of for patients to have a feeling of sickness that is caused by the use of anesthesia, particularly general anesthesia. This side effect of facelift surgery is short lasting and will subside shortly after.
  
• Allergic reaction to medication: Typically, plastic surgeons will prescribe medication to patients following facelift surgery to help accelerate the recovery process for the patient. Sometimes these medications may cause an allergic reaction in the patient. Although plastic surgeons are mindful of a patient's medical history when subscribing medication, there are times when a patient (and doctor) finds out at the worst time that they are actually allergic to a prescribed medicine. If you experience an allergic reaction to medication, visit your doctor immediately.
  
• Swelling and scarring: Following any cosmetic surgery, the patient will experience surprise by the amount of swelling, bruising, and scarring that is evident. These are only temporary conditions that will subside once your body begins to heal. The key is being patient.
  
• Haematoma: This is a condition in which the patient experiences bleeding under their skin, which causes painful swelling. Usually occurring within 24 hours of the surgery, this is a serious condition that may require a further operation to stop the bleeding and remove the clot.
  
• Facial nerve damage: Considering that nerve endings are severed during face lift surgery, as excess skin is removed, patients will experience damage to their facial nerves. This is manifested in feelings of numbness and facial muscle weakness. Usually this is a temporary condition but there are instances where facial nerve damage is permanent. This is particularly true in facelift patients that smoke.