What facelift procedures require drainage tubes?

Question

My question is regarding procedures that need drainage tubes. A friend in Chicago had a mini lift without drainage tubes and had one, maybe two follow up appointments. Are drainage tubes typical for mini facelifts? How long before they come out? I'm also wondering how soon I would be ready to attend an important event following the procedure. Thank you.

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

Thank you for your question.Mini facelift surgery does not necessarily 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

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

In most min lifts the amount of skin undermined is much less that in a traditional facelift. For this reason the tubes are probably not necessary Each surgeon has to make this decision based on the amount of bleeding that is likely to occur postoperatively so I don't think there is an absolute rule about this.Good luck!.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

To a large degree this depends on the surgeon's preference. In general I do not use tubes for mini facelifts such as the Lite Lift, MACS lift or others. Ask your surgeon.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It is surgeons preference to use drains during a mini facelift.  I commonly use drains in my mini facelifts for 24 hours.  I believe the drains speed up the healing process by decreasing bruising and limiting the chance of a lump or bump under the skin after surgery.  Other doctors may not use drains and that is appropriate.  I hope this helps.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It really depends on the surgeon and their technique as to whether they use drains. Although I do not routinely use drains for mini lifts there may be certain circumstances where it may be necessary. it is best to see some different surgeons for consultations to see what their normal practice is.Good luck

What facelift procedures require drainage tubes?

Answers (9)