62 years old - What happens if I need to urinate during my facelift?

Question

I'm a 62 year old male and urinate a lot more frequently than when I was younger but that is not unusual. I'm schedule for a lower facelift/necklift that I know takes a long time but this surgeon uses local anesthetic with oral sedative. He is on vacation and I'm scheduled when he returns (after being on a 9 month waiting list). I just thought of this urination thing and wondering what happens if I have to in the middle of it? help!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and being pretty realistic about your concerns. So typically if a patient had to pee during an awake facelift most likely would put a bed pan under him/her. We have had it happen before so you are not alone. If you know you have an overactive bladder, I would bring it to the attention of your surgeon. Limit your fluid intake prior to the surgery and of course empty your bladder prior. If your surgeon feels the need to put in a foley catheter then that would be their decision. Perhaps you can talk to your family doctor about it and consider a trial of medication to start taking for certain occasions such as this surgery, or  for long car rides or other events you may need it for.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I understand your concern.
I can assure you that if you are having a long procedure under local anesthesia with oral sedation you won't be the first patient the surgical team has had to manage this problem for.   If you are awake enough with the oral sedation to experience the need to empty your bladder, I would expect the team to be able to permit you to empty your bladder while lying down, with either a urinal or similar container to collect the urine.   
I recommend that you express your concerns to your nurse when you check in for surgery.  Ask your nurse how they have managed this problem in the past.  Be sure to empty your bladder just prior to the procedure.  If you are allowed to drink prior to the procedure remember to avoid caffeine which will cause you to urinate more.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

I also perform my procedures under local anesthesia and do my deep plane lifts in 2 1/2 to 2 hrs 45 min.  Most of my patients are able to hold it that long and besides are sedated so they are comfortable. For the rare case of someone who has to urinate, they use a bedpan or urinal.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

If your surgeon is using local anesthetic and just oral sedation, you will be awake enough to determine when you need to urinate, and then the surgeon will just find a time when it will be convenient to take a break. You can get up and go urinate, then come back and complete the procedure. I have this happen frequently in my own practice.

Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming facelift. You should have plenty of opportunities to use the restroom during the preop hour before your surgery. Usually you also use the restroom immediately before going into the OR. There have been a few cases throughout the years where a patient does absolutely have to urinate during the case; in that situation, we break sterility and allow you to use the restroom.

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62 years old - What happens if I need to urinate during my facelift?

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