Facelifts, or rhytidectomies, are cosmetic surgical procedures that men and women undergo in order to improve their appearance. Thousands of facelifts are performed in the United States every year. Like with every surgical procedure, a patient undergoing a facelift risks some complications.
The Facts
A facelift repairs skin on the face and neck that has begun to wrinkle, droop or sag. During a facelift, a surgeon makes incisions at your hairline, running from the temples down to the lower scalp. The surgeon removes fatty deposits and excess skin, then sutures the incisions closed. Your skin will be smoother and tighter, giving a more youthful appearance.
Surgical Risks
Because a patient is given anesthesia, either a local or general, there is a risk of having an adverse reaction. Complications from receiving anesthesia include allergic reactions to medication and depressed breathing. After any invasive surgery, there is a risk of bleeding. Because facelifts involve incisions, you are also at risk of contracting an infection.
Hematoma
After undergoing a facelift, you risk developing a hematoma. A hematoma is a pocket of blood that develops under the skin during recovery. It can have the appearance of a bruise, but it will not fade or heal like bruises do. To remove it, a surgeon must make an incision in your skin and drain the blood pocket.
Nerve Damage
There is a risk that during a facelift, the nerves that control your facial muscles will be damaged. If this happens, you can be left unable to move parts of your face, such as the lips or eyebrows. When nerve damage occurs, it is usually temporary. As you heal from your surgery, muscle control returns. In rare cases, the damage is permanent.
Other Risks
Other risks of facelifts include pain, problems healing and disappointment. Bruises and swelling will last for weeks after a surgery and you may be in a lot of pain afterwards. You might also have some trouble healing after surgery, especially if you smokes. There is a chance that you could have had unrealistic expectations of how much the facelift would change your appearance, which can lead to disappointment and even the need for another surgery.
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