Facelift compression and claustrophobia - Is it possible to skip the compression garment?

Hello, hope you are well. Many surgeons, myself included, do not apply "pressure" or "compression" to the face and neck after surgery. The dressings are merely soft, supportive and comforting bandaging. They also keep your surgical wounds clean and protected. Supportive garments also help to minimize swelling after surgery. It's unlikely that the results of your surgery would be compromised by skipping this aspect of recovery, but it may prolong bruising/swelling.
Best,Dr. Tower

Thank you for the question. In general, I do not use compression dressings after a facelift with 2 exceptions: 1) male facelift, 2) concurrent brow lift. In these circumstances, the compression can sometimes be avoided, especially in patients with claustrophobia. Dressing have been traditionally been used to avoid a complication now as hematoma, but are not really effective in doing so. With use of tranexamic acid during facelifts over the last 6 years, the hematoma rate is considerably less, and dressing aren't used as frequently.

I have treated many patients with claustrophobia and in some, they can tolerate the pressure dressing over night, but can't wear the elastic bandage after that. Others can't stand the pressure dressing at all. I would discuss this with your surgeon. If you have severe claustrophobia and won't tolerate the pressure dressing at all, I would have no problem just leaving a drain in and not use the pressure dressing. If you think you could tolerate the dressing overnight, I would do that, knowing that you may need to remove it. Remember, the pressure dressing is not covering the front of your face, just the sides.

Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa