Facelift: Q&A
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Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
I've had several consultations. One doctor puts in drains, one doesn't, and one uses glue.
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55 Doctor Answers |
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4995anon
in palm springs
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Are drains necessary for a Facelift...
The use of drains during a facelift is usually required. When performing a minifacelift, the area of dissection is smaller so drains are not needed. However, for a full facelift, the use of drains can not only remove unwanted fluid, but can speed up healing by preventing fluid accumulation. If fluid collects under the skin, the healing will take longer. The drains are usually left in for one day following the procedure then carefully removed by your surgeon or a...
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Are drains necessary after a facelift.
Hi,
It all depends on how extensive a facelift is. If you have a very minor procedure, which usually has minimal results, then a drain may not be necessary, However, for most facelift procedures drains not only help absorb any residual blood and prevent hematoma formation but also help with post-operative swelling. They are not really that big of deal and typically come out the next day.
Best,
Dr.S.
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Pick your surgeon for other reasons
The choice to use drains or not is based on the surgeon's experience with the procedure. I use them on every facelift. I think of them as safety valves, a place to let off some pressure. When the patient calls me and says she feels tight on one side and it has only been a few hours after surgery but nothing is coming out in the drains I am not worried about a hematoma. But when the drain on one side is filling up and she feels the same tightness I am going to ask her to...
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Facelift
What you must keep in mind is that although all of the procedures for which you are seeing these surgeons in consultation are labelled facelifts, there are many different ways to perform a facelift, and thus different requirements for the placement of drains. As a general rule of thumb, the more aggressive the facelift, and the more deep the dissection performed in the face and neck, the greater the likelihood that drains will be needed postoperatively.
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Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
Guess you see that there are many acceptable treatment options in preforming surgery. There is no best answer. Results of each surgeon and a trust you develope are most important
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To drain or not to drain
Personally, I find that using drains in a full facelift decreases the amount of swelling. Without them, excess fluid has no where else to go, but stay in the face and delay healing. Drains in my opinion allow patients to return to normal sooner. Best wishes, Dr. H
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Facelift - to drain or not?
Whether a doctor does or doesn't use drains should be the very least of your concerns. Each will do what they thinks will give you the best result. Judge their photos and results, not these little details like drains, suture techniques, name of the procedure etc.
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Facelift and Drains
Preferentially, I prefer to use drains even though I get meticulous hemostasis. I also use tissue glue, platelet rich or platelet poor plasma, because it enhances wound healing if you can minimize and prevent any swelling and bruising perioperatively.
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Drains after face & neck lift
There is very little downside to using drains after a face/neck lift which is why I use them to reduce swelling and bruising.
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A full facelift, neck tuck up, or partial facelift does not require drains.
Of course this depends on who does your surgery. If the surgeon chooses not to use drains, it is critical that there be excellent control of bleeding during the case. To do this the surgeon must "clean the kitchen as he cooks". What I mean by this is that a very precise and careful technique is required. Any bleeding must be stopped immediatley using electrocautery which seals the blood vessels. This method of operating takes longer than simply lifting the flap and then...
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