Many but rare facelift risks

Facelift is a surgical procedure to improve the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associate with them;

1. Bleeding: it is possible to experience bleeding episode during or after the surgery.

2. Change in skin sensation

3. Damage to deeper structures: there is a potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, muscles during any surgical procedure.

4. Skin contour irregularities: visible and palpable wrinkling of skin can occur. Residual skin irregularities at the end of the incisions are always a possibility.

5. Skin discoloration/swelling: bruising and swelling, skin near surgical site can appear lighter or darker than surrounding skin.

6. Skin sensitivity: itching, tenderness or exaggerated responses to hot or cold

7. Scarring

8. Sutures

9. Delayed healing

10. Hair loss

11.  Asymmetry: there can be a variation from one side to the other in the results obtained from a facelift procedure

12. Nerve injuries

13. Seroma

14. Pain Cardiac and pulmonary complications

All of these are rare but the risk is there. Our role is to keep these risks to minimum.

The best way to limit your risk of side effects with facelift surgery, is choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 

Facelift sugery can do many things safely, but there are always risk to consider. 

• Any surgery has risk of bleeding and infection, facelifting is included. 
• There is always the risk of injury to structures in the area or a result you are not happy with, but these risks are unusual. 

Your board certified specialist will discuss all of your concerns, but it is vital to share your expectations and desires before surgery, to get the best possible result, safely.