Has Anyone Ever Had a Face Lift Without Any Drains?

asked 1 year ago by pinkberrystar in Alabama
Latest answer by Ritu Chopra, MD
Question viewed 390 times
Tags: face, drainage

I wore a helmet that didn't have any drians. I was told that the Dr had never used drains...??? I have had a face lift before and I was totally recovered in a week and now I am in my third week and I am still very swollen...and disfigured. My DR tricked me to his clinic and then turned me over to his Intern...I had no idea who she was!!! My ears are moved down on my cheeks and Im in SHOCK!

9 answers to Has Anyone Ever Had a Face Lift Without Any Drains?

To drain or not to drain that is the question

To use drains or not to use drains is a topic of much debate in surgery. Personally I do not use drains in face-lifts, but instead use fibrin glue. I have found this to be more beneficial for my patients as well as less cumbersome. That being said if I believe a patient would benefit from a drain I have no problem in using one. I always tailor the surgery to the patient and not the patient to the surgery. Hope this helps.

Ritu Chopra, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Facelift and drains

Some surgeons do not use drains and others do. It is a matter of preference and not skill. I think it helps avoid longer lasting bruising.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Facelift can be with or without drains.

Use of drains is by personal preferance of the surgeon. I always use drains as a bit of a safety measure but they are not necessary. Your prolonged swelling may be due to a more extensive procedure. You should speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Drains after facelift can be useful but many doctors do not use them after a facelift

I personally use tiny (8 millimeter) drains after most of my facelifts. Although many surgeons do not, and drains are often unnecessary after a facelift, I would rather be safe than sorry. I ALWAYS remove the drains day 1 after the facelift. I use the drains as a safety measure just in case there is unexpected bleeding in the immediate post operative period. Removal of these tiny drains is not painful. I do not however believe that drains can reduce swelling after a facelift... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

Many concerns following facelift

I would agree that placing drains after a facelift is unusual for most surgeons. Your more significant swelling and longer recovery could possibly reflect a more aggressive facelift but I cannot determine this based on the information provided. I am sad to hear that you feel that you were tricked. Please discuss this with your surgeon and if you're not satisfied, find a surgeon that you feel comfortable with for future care. I hope that you heal well and that your current concerns... more

Stephen Weber, MD
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.lonetreefacial.com

Facelift without Drains

I rarely use drains after facelift surgery. Swelling will be present after surgery - I'm not sure what you mean when you say you're "very swollen". It is obvious you've lost confidence in your surgeon when you say your doctor tricked you - share your accusations with him/her or get a second opinion.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Drains are not always necessary after a facelift.

Drains are not always necessary after a facelift. This is part of physician style and how likely bleeding complications are etc... The fact that you did not have drains is not likely the only cause of why you are still swollen. There is a very disturbing marketing trend around the nation for large companies to promote and advertise "weekend" recovery facelift surgeries. These companies then employ physicians to work for them to perform the surgery. Many of more

Richard H. Fryer, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Communication is key to a successful outcome for Plastic Surgery

I have performed Face Lifts with drains and without drains. The use of drains depends on several factors and is a judgment call. We do our best to make our patients comfortable during their recovery and if we can avoid the use of drains, we do so for our patient's convenience. Swelling and bruising is typically more after a second Face Lift than the first. Recovery is also a bit easier for your fist procedure as you were younger. Only communication with your Plastic... more

Andrew Lyos, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

lyosmd.com

Please discuss your concerns with your doctor

Some plastic surgeon use drain and some do not. You have charged your doctor with serious allegations and you need to make sure that these statements are true.