Is it normal for a doctor to shave their patients face before a mini facelift?

Question

My face was shaved before my mini face lift and no documents ever stated this was apart of the procedure so it was done without my knowledge and permission. I just wanted to hear a doctors side as in if it's normal. Also, I had a catheter inserted without my knowledge as well for only a mini facelift is that even normal?... as well? Please let me know.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Eleanor   What part of your face was shaved?  Each surgeon has their own protocol for surgery, but shaving the face is a bit odd.  Some surgeons may shave small regions of the scalp for suture placement.  As far as the catheter is concerned, I assume you mean a foley placed in your bladder?  Sometimes anesthesia affects bladder function, requiring a catheter to drain the bladder for patient comfort.  My best advice, talk to your surgeon. Good luck!

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

Thank you for your question.  This is not typical for surgeons to face the face before.  All steps of the procedure should be explained to you prior to this.  The catheter was most probably inserted as the procedure took a little longer it avoid risk of bladder retention.  If you have any concerns, please do speak with your surgeon.  All The Best

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Some Doctors would shave a patient before a facelift, but they would discuss this with you before the operation. In inserting a catheter I would assume that this was to help drain fluid for the face - this is something that is routinely done in facelifts, however, with a mini facelift this isn't usually required. If this was a urinary catheter, this probably means that the operation took much longer than anticipated.

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question regarding standard operative procedures. Shaving the surgical area is normal when hair may interfere with the introduction of sutures. Shaving is not required for every surgical procedure or every facelift. Ask your board certified facial plastic surgeon why they thought it was necessary in your case. As far as the placement of a catheter, for longer surgeries, a catheter can increase patient comfort by draining the bladder. Again, this is not standard or necessary for every facelift procedure. Address this question with your board certified facial plastic surgeon as well.  Best of luck!- Elbert T. Cheng, MD

Is it normal for a doctor to shave their patients face before a mini facelift?

Answers (4)

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