Facelift

Risks of Surgery

General Risks of surgery include infection, pain, delayed wound healing, hematoma (a collection of blood at the surgical site,) bleeding, reactions to anesthetic.  All surgeries have a possibility of complications and poor results; cosmetic surgery is no exception. Fortunately, complications in this field of surgery are uncommon.  Listed below are potential risks associated with this procedure.

Bleeding. When blood collects beneath the skin it causes excessive discoloration. Sometimes lumps which last many months may occur. If blood collection is discovered, it is usually removed by taking out a few stitches and squeezing the clot out, or inserting a needle and aspirating it.  If bleeding continues it is sometimes necessary to return to the operating room to stitch the bleeding vessels. This risk is increased in people who are hypertensive (high blood pressure), take non-steroidal pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or who bruise easily.  Let your doctor know if this is the case. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing product for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. (We will be glad to provide you with a  list of common  medications which may increase bleeding.)

Loss of Skin: The skin may lose its blood supply.  While uncommon when this happens, an area of skin will fail to survive and a number of weeks are needed for healing.  Rarely, a skin graft may be needed to obtain healing. This risk in usually seen and increased in smokers; therefore, to lessen this risk you must stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks following surgery.

Infection: Infection in facial surgery in uncommon but can occur. This requires antibiotics, possible hospitalization, and there is an increased risk toward skin loss as mentioned above.

Facial Nerve Injury: Permanent injury to the facial nerve is very rare.  It is not uncommon for branches of the facial nerve to be bruised from the operation and for the muscles of the forehead or the corner of the mouth to lose some or even a great deal of their activity temporarily. Activity usually returns to normal within a few weeks.  In extremely rare instances, it may take months or more.

Discoloration: Sometimes the skin remains discolored for many months. This may be related to the absorption of blood pigments during the healing process. Permanent discoloration is rare.

Asymmetry: Every effort is made to keep both sides even, but since no face is symmetrical to begin, mild asymmetry may remain after surgery. Some changes in the earlobe shape may occur as result of skin tension and scars.

Numbness: Parts of the face, forehead, eyes, ears and scalp will feel numb for weeks or months after surgery; this is normal and expected. On occasion, loss of sensation may be prolonged or permanent.

Scars: Every operation creates some type of scar. Facelift incisions are planned to hide and minimize visible scarring. Scars, however, are not predictable and infrequently patients will develop scars which are widened, thickened, raised, more red or generally more visible than anticipated (hypertrophic or keloid). Normally, scars go through a maturation process which takes months.  This includes an expected period of thickness, redness and firmness, during the first 4-6 months. (More information on scars is available upon request.)  At Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery – we are experts in producing minimal scarring including use of special lasers to minimize scarring, and topical agents to put on your scar afterwards.

Hair loss: On occasion hair loss in the temple area or the hair behind the ear may occur. This is usually temporary and the hair regrows in several months. These situations are more the exception than the rule but they do occur.

Pain: Generally facial operations have surprisingly little pain: however, pain is very subjective. On occasion a patient will experience tightness and discomfort for a prolonged period of time. Scars may remain sensitive for months. These situations are more the exception than the rule but they do occur.

Depression: Some patients may experience an emotional let down after this surgery. This may be related to the normal chemical changes after extensive surgery or overly high expectations. It is usually self limited and does not require treatment

Alternatives: Other procedures which may improve an aging face but are less extensive include chemical peels, collagen or fat injections or liposuction technique.

Photography: Photographing, filming or videotaping of the treatment or procedure for education or diagnostic use is standard and required part of patient care.

No Guarantee: The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although pleasing results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee, nor warranty, expressed or implied, by anyone as to the results that may be obtained. Our best surgical judgment and skills will be utilized at all times.

Complications and Additional Surgery: Any of these problems or disorders noted above may require additional surgery, hospitalization, and time away from work. If this occurs, there will be additional cost for surgical fees, supplies, anesthesia, etc. depending upon the required operation. Complications of cosmetic surgery generally will not be covered by medical insurance.

The better known complications are discussed above. Please ask your surgeon if you want to know about remote complications, or if you have any other questions.