Facelift Q&A
85%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review
View Before and Afters
Average Facelift Cost: $11,225
Learn about Facelift
1,209 people and 807 doctors are talking about Facelift
Get Free Email Updates
Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
asked 7 months ago by 4995anon in palm springs
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 687 times
Tags: consultation, drains, normal
I've had several consultations. One doctor puts in drains, one doesn't, and one uses glue.
55 answers to Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
+3
Drains and Facelifts? Why not?
The use of drains for the first 24 hours can remove small amounts of fluid in the early post operative period after a facelift. They do not increase complications, take 60 seconds to place, and have no downside. I use them routinely. Why not? Meticulous technique and tissue handling is ultimately is the key to a successful outcome. Tissue glue - not a fan.
Lawrence Shaw, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+3
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
+2
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.
Peter G. Lee, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2
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
+2
Drains and facelift
There are those of us who drain and others don't. 4 about 10 years now I use something cold"tissue glue" and have not used a drain during that time. it is also a dramatic the cut down on the bruising and swelling and length of recuperation. this is a standard a technique and find someone in your area who uses it regularly and ask.
Sherwood Baxt, MD
New Jersey Plastic Surgeon
New Jersey Plastic Surgeon
+2
Drains for facelifts - a matter of preference
To put in drains or not to put in drains, that is the question. Well, there is no one answer. Putting in drains are a matter of surgeon preference but in the end, their presence or absence is unlikely to change your outcome. Instead you should focus on the expertise of the particular surgeon and if they are board-certified in facial plastic surgery or plastic surgery. Also, take a look at their before and after photos. Do they have consistently good results? Do they make you feel comfortable...
more
+2
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.
+1
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.
+1
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.
+1
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...
more
Michael Godin, MD
Richmond Facial Plastic Surgeon
Richmond Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
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...
more
+1
Are drains normal protocol for facelifts?
Drains are not always necessary with the full face and neck lift but are more commonly used than not. If they are used they usually stay 1 or 2 days at the most. Often the drains need to stay a little longer when there is thorough neck liposuction performed at the same time.
+1
Don't fear the drain
I have performed many facelifts. I used to never put drains in - now I always do. Here is the deal - you will not feel the drain. Taking it out is easy. It will not cause you any problems and it may save you from a more prolonged recovery. At the end of the day there is no good reason NOT to use drain.
+1
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...
more
+1
Drains are sometimes beneficial after facelift surgery
In general, the single most common problem after facelift surgery is accumulation of fluid. While drains don't help in the context of actual bleeding, they can help remove other types of fluid that may collect under the skin and slow healing.
While studies have been done to prove that drains do not decrease blood collections (hematomas), they may decrease other kinds of fluid collections (seromas). In cases where seromas are likely, I place drains to limit that risk.
more
+1
Drains for Facelift?
Personally, sometimes I do place drains for 24 hours after the surgery. It depends on the particular patient and type of surgery. I do not use glue as I do not think it adds a lot to my results to justify the added expense. This is not to say that using glue or not using drains is wrong. My advise is to seek a surgeon whom you like and trust and go with their recommendations rather then picking your procedure first and then finding a surgeon. Or,...
more
+1
I will place drains at the end of the case, but only on selected patients
When performing a facelift, I will place drains at the end of the case, but only on selected patients. However, I would much rather err on the side of caution by placing the drains, if in doubt, since the disadvantage of drains is minimal and the potential benefit often outweighs any small disadvantage.
The drains serve to provide safety and security in patients that have any significant amount of bleeding during the case and to prevent the small risk of post-operative...
more
+1
Drains after a face lift?
Today, some cosmetic surgeons use advanced procedures and technologies that allow the effective avoidance of drains after facelifts. Other plastic surgeons still advocate the routine use of these devices. If used, drains are usually kept in place for a minimum of one day.
+1
Drains help your healing immensely after a face lift
Drains are an annoyance but will help you heal immensely after a face lift. Without a drain, the extra blood will accumulate in the neck, lead to scarring, thicken the layer under the skin and lead to worse results. Do the drain if you are offered it. I would ask the surgeon if they didn't want one in in my opinion. But there are many ways to get a face lift done so I would listen to your surgeon.
see video
+1
Facelift - Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
Not necessary - but may be helpful. Since there are different answers to this you'd have to conclude that it's not absolutely necessary, or else everybody would be using them. There was, in fact, a time where nearly everyone did, and then some surgeons moved away from using them and then, well, as always, the pendulum swings back and forth a bit. Some surgeons use them all the time, some usually, some rarely, some never. My own preference is to use them -...
more
+1
Drains after Facelift?
The decision to use a drain following a facelift is a personal decision that each surgeon makes based on his/her experience and individual technique. There is no right or wrong answer.
I do use drains for the first 24 hours following a facelift, and remove the drains in the office the next day.
I would not recommend picking a plastic surgeon based on their use of drains. Rather, I recommend you pick a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic...
more
+1
Drains are Usually Used, but Plastic Surgeon Preference is the Variable
Dear 4885anon-
The traditional way to ensure that there is as little fluid bulid up as possible after a facelift is to use drains. Some plastic surgeons also like using them because they're a great early warning system, just in case you develop bleeding right after your operation. Most plastic surgeons remove them 1-2 days after your procedure.
With better, more refined facelift techniques, drains are not considered as necessary as in the past...
more
Roy Kim, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1
Facelift Technique and drains
There are many versions of Facelift operations, and the use of drains is dependent on both technique and surgeon preference. If a “mini” facelift is performed, then it is probably not necessary to use drains as a very small space is created, and the skin tension is enough to compress the potential space. (I am not a fan of true mini facelifts, as the results tend to be short lived and this skin tension can lead to unsightly scars.) If a more...
more
+1
Drains after facelift: A case by case decision
Drains can remove relatively small amounts of fluid that accumulate in the immediate 24 hours post-operatively. I typically use drains in patients with a history of high blood pressure, chronic use of aspirin products (even though it is mandatory that they not use any of these products 2 weeks before or after surgery), or in patients who have more oozing than average during the case. Ultimately, in my practice, the decision to use drains is made on a case by case basis and rarely, if ever,...
more
+1
Drains after facelift?
I use drains almost all the time. I think they help to reduce bruising. They do not prevent hematomas. They come out the next morning. Doesn't hurt coming out. Simple. Really no down side. I don't use glue but I have heard that it can actually cause more issues with seromas.
+1
Use of drains in facelifts
The drains, called Jackson-Pratt drains are thin perforated tubes attached to a small compressed bulb are used to prevent hematoma and seroma formation after a facelift. The perforated tubes are placed underneath the skin where collected blood and fluid is removed by the vacuum force created in the compressed bulb. The mechanical drainage of fluid and blood from underneath the skin allows patients to heal much faster with minimal bruising. The drains are usually left in...
more
+1
Drains in Facelift Surgery
Most surgeons do what they feel comfortable doing. This is also true with drains (i.e. plastic tubes placed under the skin, usually for a few days), use of tissue glue, preference for certain suture materials and timeframe of dressing use.
Personally, I have not used drains in face and neck lifts in years. This is my preference. If another plastic surgeon feels that a drain is beneficial, he should use it. The main reason for drain use is usually hematoma or seroma prevention....
more
+1
Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
In most cases it is necessary for drains to be placed in full facelifts. The risks of fluid collections is relatively high and drains are therefore essential to remove this fluid. In mini facelifts, draIns are not necessary, however. I often combine a mini facelift procedure with fat transfer in the office setting and get outstanding results with my patients.
Christian Prada, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1
Using drains for facelift , minilift , lifestyle lift, or lite lifts
The use of drains depends on the personal experience of the surgeon.. I used them for 18 years and now have not used them for 8. I havent seen any difference . My patients seem to prefer the light dressing to the drainage tubes
+1
Should drains be used after a facelift
Hello,
There is no clear cut right or wrong answer to this question. The reason that drains are sometimes used for a day or two after a facelift is to prevent any collection of fluid under the skin during the first few days after surgery. Depending on the type of facelift performed (how much skin is lifed up) and the dressings your surgeon uses afterwards, a drain may or may not be necessary.
Overall, it should not make a huge difference either way--removing a drain in a day or...
more
Jamil Asaria, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Drain or a tissue sealer?
I think it is our jobs as honest advice givers is to tell all of you are best guesses based on our personal experiences. I have done over 1200 face lifts, I drain everyone of them! I have tried tissue sealants on several different occasions with nice results. My biggest issue with tissue glue is the added cost to the surgery. On average it adds $500.00 to the cost of a case, I can't justify it for that reason when a $12.00 drain functions just fine. Good luck!
+1
To drain or not to drain on facelift
There is certainly no rule about having to use drains in any surgery, including facelift surgery. In my practice, I often use them because I feel that if any fluid remains under the skin on a facelift there may be an increased degree of bruising, which simply lengthens the time for full recovery. Many good Plastic Surgeons use them, and others do not. I would not let this choice influence your decision as to whom you choose to select as your Plastic Surgeon.
more
+1
Drains after Full Facelift
I rarely use drains after a full facelift, but many surgeons do use drains of all different sizes and shapes. Select your surgeon based on experience and results, not which technique he/she uses to achieve your goals and satisfy your expectations.
+1
Drains for facelift
This is something that has no one "right" answer. I have done both depending on how I felt the risk of fluid accumulation was. It's not something that you should worry about or influence your decision of surgeon. It is of little consequence in the scheme of thing if you have a good rapport with the doctor and are comfortable with before and after results on others that have been shown to you.
+1
Drains: The Necessity or Lack Thereof
One complication that can occur in the early postop period from a a Facelift is hematoma. Any Surgeon who claims to have never had one is a) a liar, or b) hasn't performed very many Facelifts. I have tried a variety of different techniques including a) no drains with compression, b) Jackson Pratt (JP or bulb) drains, c) Passive (Penrose drains with compression) and I have seen no difference in the incidence of hematomas. In my experience, patients dislike the JP drains...
more
+1
Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
I have performed Face Lifts, for over 20 years and IMHO full Face and Neck Lifts should have drains placed over night. However, this is more a function of the individual plastic and cosmetic surgeon.
+1
Is a drain or tissue sealant necessary after a facelift
Neither a drain or tissue sealant is a requirement after facelift surgery, but both are certainly options. Whether either is used depends mainly on surgeon preference. I wouldn't focus too much on this aspect of surgery as great results can be obtained either way.
Though many patients become very worried about needing to have a drain removed, it really is a painless process and shouldn't become the deciding factor in your surgery. Focus instead on your potential surgeon's...
more
+1
Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
I agree with many of my colleagues who have already contributed their opinions:
Go with the surgeon who seems the most experienced and compassionate, and leave the details to him or her.
Plastic surgery consultations can be very confusing for patients, who will receive almost as many opinions as the number of surgeons visited.
What will matter most to you is the result, not the details of how the surgery was done.
Good luck!
Eric Pugash, MD
Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
+1
Facelift: To drain or not to drain.
Thank you for your question. The use of drains in Facelift is basically surgeon preference. They are not mandatory but can remove some of the early fluid, allowing the swelling to decrease sooner. Others advocate no drains at all. When I use a drain, I typically pull it in 1-2 days after surgery. When you see a surgeon for your consult, ask his or her preference. Best of Luck!
+1
Placement of drains or use of tissue sealant after facelift is surgeon specific. Do you need either? No.
Placement of drains or use of tissue sealant is surgeon specific. Do you need either? No. You have walked into the reality of facial plastic surgery which is that there are many ways to perform each procedure. Neither drains nor tissue sealant are required for any type of facelift. What is important is that you find a competent, trustworthy Facial Plastic Surgeon who has post-operative photos that are pleasing to your eye. Whether they use drains or sealant should not be a deciding factor....
more
+1
Drains for facelift
I have very strong feelings on this subject. Minimal ooveinous bleeding will be controlled with Tiseel. Drians will not stop a major bleed and hematoma. Only immediate surgery will correct that problem as they are mostly caused by pumping high pressure arteries. I have not used drains in 30 years and you should not need to either with quality surgery
+1
To drain or not to drain
As other posters have indicated, this is a decision that is personal to the surgeon and also dependent on the extent of the procedure performed, the intraoperative bleeding and other considerations. I know that drains sound intimidating to patients but they do reduce the risk of dehiscence, or wound opening, and the goal is to perform a good operation with the lowest risk of postoperative complication. My patients always comment afterward that the pre-op anxiety about the drains was not...
more
+1
Why drains during facelift
Full facelift involves elevation and repositioning of large areas of facial and neck skin. It is prudent, in my opinion, to drain after such interventions, to avoid development of annoying seromas, and facilitate healing of the flap to underlying tissue in its new position.
+1
Drains are not necessary after facelift
There was a lot of talk about drains after facelift 20 years ago, but we don't hear much about them today. Studies have not demonstrated any benefit to bruising or possible bleeding, and we have never used them. Tissue glues are a newer idea and some surgeons like them to help drape the skin, though again most surgeons seem to do very well without.
Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Facelift and Drains
What really matters are the results from your facelift. Assuming you have sought out a board certified specialist to perform your surgery, the use of drains is dependant on the surgeon's preference. Please do not worry yourself with these minor details but focus on the results from your surgery.
+1
Surgeons Choice.
Each surgeon has their own technique for facelift surgery . There is not real right or wrong way within limits. You are selecting a plastic surgeon who you feel comfortable with and you like his or her artistic eye. The drain is a minor point in the whole situation.
see video
+1
Facelift and drains
Your question highlights the unique nature of plastic surgery. Unlike appendectomy or gallbaldder removal, which are standard procedures performed the same way by general surgeons, cosmetic surgery is individualized and multiple techniques can be used to achieve desired aesthetic results.
It is far more important to understand your surgeons artistic sense and see before and after photos than to be concerned if drains are used. Discuss this with your board certified...
more
+1
Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
Drains do not prevent hematomas and typically only provide a false sense of security. In my practice I routinely use fibrin glue to seal the soft tissue flaps from localized pinpoint bleeding and then wrap my patient's with a tight kerlix and coban dressing. The coban is removed next day and the kerlix is removed at day 3. At this timeframe patient's can shower and are taught appropriate wound care. They are placed then in a soft jones facial dressing to...
more
Shepherd G. Pryor, MD
Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Facelift
The use of drains depends on the surgeon's experience and the amount of oozing at the time of surgery. The use of drains should not be the major concern, although drains are often better for the delicate facial tissues than a pressure dressing. Surgery techniques may vary but it is the surgeon's results and qualifications that count.
David Alessi, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
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.
+1
Is It Necessary for the Surgeon to Put in Drains when Completing a Full Facelift?
Dear 4995anon,
I would recommend choosing an experienced and skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. There are many different ways to perform a facelift, and the right procedure in the right hands can produce excellent results. Drains or glue can be useful in some cases to reduce bruising and swelling, but they are not mandatory. I would not be overly concerned with details such as this because they are not critical factors.
Warmest wishes,
Larry...
more
Larry Fan, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1
Facelifts and Drains
Dear 4995anon, Every plastic surgeon chooses to use the techniques they are comfortable with and they feel will give the patient the best chance of getting the desired result-just as different sculptors use different tools to achieve their desire final shape. Whether they use drains, no-drains, or glue is really just a preference by the doctor to get the result they want. The key is not to get distracted by the "side issues" such as drains or glue but instead...
more
Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1
Every facelift case is individually treated
As long as you have seen reputable and board certified surgeons then the question can be answered as simply as "it depends". If you are having extensive work down around the brows and neck and the amount of skin needed to be elevated is great then most surgeons advocate some type of drain for 24 hours. If a mini-lift is performed and work on the uper third of the face is not done then a tissue sealent can be used. All these precautions are aimed at getting the face back to...
more
Giancarlo Zuliani, MD
Detroit Facial Plastic Surgeon
Detroit Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Drains after Facelift
Thank you for the question.
The use of drains will depend on the surgeon. Surgeons who do use drains may find that they are useful/“necessary” to evacuate fluid and potentially decrease swelling.
In my opinion, details such as the use of drains or glue should not be important in your decision-making in regards to surgeon selection. My best advice is to work with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon and feel comfortable that he/she can...
more
+1
Drains usage in facelift procedures
I typically use drains for the first day of the procedure and they are removed upon the recheck appointment the following day. They help reduce swelling and bruising by removing any excess fluids during the immediate post operative phase. As for the glue I have used it not a fan. Most important is the expertise of your surgeon. I typically have several facelift patients a week that are in for a recheck and they are always excited to speak with other potential patients regarding their...
more
Doctors Nearby
Brent Moelleken, MD
34 recommendations
and
1,328 answers
View Website
Toby Mayer, MD
4 recommendations
and
2,916 answers
View Website
RealSelf Sponsors
ADVERTISEMENT