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

Question

Hello I'm 53 & going to have a deep plane facelift. I am very claustrophobic & worried most about the compression garment afterwards! (Not worried about the surgery at all :) I know of some surgeons who don't use compression afterwards? Or use some sort of stitch compression? Would love some views on this. Many thanks!

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

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

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

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.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

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

Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

To me the bandage is a very I
Portent part of a facelift. It reduces swelling and can prevent bleeding. I suggest you discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Something like Valium couid be of benefit

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we have not used compression garments after a facelift in over 25 years. We have also seen skin necrosis from the compression garment from other practices. We use Jackson Pratt drain's there left in place for two days.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Have you discussed your concerns with your plastic surgeon? Does your plastic surgeon use compression after a facelift? I suggest you schedule an appointment and review your concerns.
Maybe the surgeon can explain how they wrap you up afterwards and even give you an example during the visit of a typical facial wrap that they would use after surgery.
 Lots of people get anxious about lots of different things when it comes to surgery.
In the end, if you’ve selected the right provider and understand your candidacy for the procedure, you have to eventually have faith let go of your concerns and simply step into the fire and let operation be done.
I two have had surgery and have had multiple concerns and worries before the procedure.
The experience often turns out to be quite different than what I have anticipated and generally I’ve been easier than expected .
Consider wrapping an ace wrap around your head and see if that is palatable to you.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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