Any type of surgery comes with certain risks, and facelift surgery is no different. However, techniques used in today’s facelift surgical procedures have been thoroughly tested, and, as a result, the associated risks are rare. Before having surgery, your doctor will discuss those potential risks with you; you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, so you can feel entirely confident in your procedure and your recovery.
Potential risks that could occur during or after facelift procedures include:
- Accumulation of fluid under the skin (seroma)
- Asymmetrical results
- Bleeding
- Hair loss at the incision site
- Healing-related problems especially if you smoke
- Infection
- Lung- or heart-related problems
- Nerve-related complications, including numbness or loss of sensation or muscle tone
- Scarring problems or scars that are very visible
- Skin discoloration or other irregularities
- Other risks associated with the use of anesthesia
Your surgeon should discuss all of these risks with you, prior to your surgery, and you’ll be asked to sign a detailed consent form to ensure you understand these issues.
During your consultation visit, your doctor will also discuss your medical history, including past surgeries you’ve had, any chronic medical issues you have, and any medications you’re taking. Some health issues or medications can increase your risk of developing a complication during or after surgery, which means surgery might not be the best choice for you.
Generally speaking, women and men who are in good general health, who don’t smoke, and who have healthy healing responses tend to be the best candidates for facelift surgery. And of course, it’s also important to have realistic expectations and a positive outlook with regard to your surgery, your recovery and what results you can achieve.
To learn more about facelift surgery and to find out if you’re a good candidate, call The Cosmetic Surgery Center at (216) 264-8100 to schedule your free consultation today.