Has Anyone Ever Had a Face Lift Without Any Drains?

Question

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!

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

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.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.Facelift surgery does not require use of drains.  Many surgeons do, however, place small drains for a short time after surgery, with the goal of reducing bruising.  I personally do not use drains for my facelift patients.  Instead, I take a little extra time during the operation to ensure small areas of bleeding have been carefully cauterised.  Drains do not always necessarily prevent possible bleeding complication.  I do not use drains and have pioneered The Concept Facelift, having a 0% incident rate of hematoma.  It is important to focus more on the results of your surgeon as illustrated in their pre & post operative facelift patients.  Do you like their results, will the surgeon meet your expectations, is the facility where you are going to have your surgery performed accredited?  These might be much more important.  I do not think the use of drains or not drains would reflect the surgeons ability.All The Best

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

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.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

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 resolve.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

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 the physicians are not board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

	The fact that you met with one doctor and had surgery with another doctor is quite troubling.  I would not feel comfortable operating on a  patient that my partner had interviewed.  Trusting your surgeon is absolutely key in facelift surgery.

Has Anyone Ever Had a Face Lift Without Any Drains?

Answers (10)

Answer: Many concerns following facelift

Answer: Many concerns following facelift

Answer: Drains are not always necessary after a facelift.

Answer: Drains are not always necessary after a facelift.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Has Anyone Ever Had a Face Lift Without Any Drains?

Answers (10)

Answer: Many concerns following facelift

Answer: Many concerns following facelift

Answer: Drains are not always necessary after a facelift.

Answer: Drains are not always necessary after a facelift.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.