I have been to several doctors for consultations and some say they use drains and keep their patients overnight and some say they don't need to use drains because they use some kind of glue. I'm confused how glue prevents the need for drains. I'm afraid if I'm sent home with drains I will be grossed out and faint.
December 2, 2014
Answer: The use of drains after a facelift varies from surgeon to surgeon. I personally use a drain for one night after a facelift. This is to generate negative pressure Allowing the elevated tissue to stick to the deeper tissue. The use is a matter of personal preference.
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December 2, 2014
Answer: The use of drains after a facelift varies from surgeon to surgeon. I personally use a drain for one night after a facelift. This is to generate negative pressure Allowing the elevated tissue to stick to the deeper tissue. The use is a matter of personal preference.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 1, 2014
Answer: Drains or No Drains? The answer to this question lies in the experiences and preferences of the Surgeon. First several points must be understood about a facelift. Since a large surface area is being lifted, the potential exists for excess blood and or lymphatic fluid to collect under the skin flaps. This can be managed by use of a drain, compression, or a combination of both. It is important to understand that drains do not prevent expanding hematomas. A combination of meticulous technique, patient compliance with instructions, and a patient's inherent clotting ability are most important in prevention of this complication. In my experience, I would place emphasis on the first two points, because a quickly performed facelift does not allow for adequate hemostasis and ignores the potential for late case bleeding. Although many patients hear their postoperative instructions, they sometimes do not listen. For these reasons, I spend the requisite amount of time to ensure a "dry" surgical field during a facelift, and my staff repeat the mantra of expected postoperative behaviors in an exhaustive fashion. I utilize mild compression with passive (Penrose) drains in the postauricular region. The dressing is removed and replaced with a lighter dressing on the first postoperative day, and the penrose drains are removed on the second. I have utilized platelet gels, fibrin glues etc., and have not seen any difference from baseline with the exception of higher cost. The major difference between dressings and drains is that taking care of active drains (Jackson Pratt) is beyond the experience and comfort levels of most patients. In other words, patients hate drains and patients hate dressings, but seem to hate drains more. An overnight stay facility is not a necessary consideration for most patients, who are usually more comfortable at home.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 1, 2014
Answer: Drains or No Drains? The answer to this question lies in the experiences and preferences of the Surgeon. First several points must be understood about a facelift. Since a large surface area is being lifted, the potential exists for excess blood and or lymphatic fluid to collect under the skin flaps. This can be managed by use of a drain, compression, or a combination of both. It is important to understand that drains do not prevent expanding hematomas. A combination of meticulous technique, patient compliance with instructions, and a patient's inherent clotting ability are most important in prevention of this complication. In my experience, I would place emphasis on the first two points, because a quickly performed facelift does not allow for adequate hemostasis and ignores the potential for late case bleeding. Although many patients hear their postoperative instructions, they sometimes do not listen. For these reasons, I spend the requisite amount of time to ensure a "dry" surgical field during a facelift, and my staff repeat the mantra of expected postoperative behaviors in an exhaustive fashion. I utilize mild compression with passive (Penrose) drains in the postauricular region. The dressing is removed and replaced with a lighter dressing on the first postoperative day, and the penrose drains are removed on the second. I have utilized platelet gels, fibrin glues etc., and have not seen any difference from baseline with the exception of higher cost. The major difference between dressings and drains is that taking care of active drains (Jackson Pratt) is beyond the experience and comfort levels of most patients. In other words, patients hate drains and patients hate dressings, but seem to hate drains more. An overnight stay facility is not a necessary consideration for most patients, who are usually more comfortable at home.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
