How come some Facelifts don't require a compression bandage or compression band for several days? What is best for healing?

Thank you for your question. Facelift surgery does not necessarily require use of bandages. Many surgeons do, however, used bandage aiming to reduce bruising. I personally do not use bandages for my facelift patients. Instead, I take a little extra time during the operation to ensure small areas of bleeding have been carefully cauterised. Bandages do not always necessarily prevent possible swelling. I do not use bandage or 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 /bandages or not drains/bandages would reflect the surgeons ability. 



All The Best

The postoperative management including choice of bandages and dressings will be based on each surgeon's preference. In general, there are usually bandages for the first 24-48 hours to absorb any fluid from the early incisions. 

The aftercare is extremely important in facelift surgery. The experienced facelift surgeon will have a regimen in place for you that we recommend to follow closely. It is based on experience and provides the environment for speedy and safe recovery. 

After elevation on the tissues in a facelift, the space should be closed to permit healing without shifting or collection of blood or fluid in the potential space. This can be accomplished by either a suction drain or some supportive compression. Facelift procedures vary in the  extent of the skin elevation, which can  affect  the possibility of fluid collections. Compression, elevation, ice and reduced activity are also generally  believed to reduce bruising and swelling after injuries or surgery. I prefer recommend all of these and anything else that may help reduce overall recovery time. I hope this helps.

Thanks for your question. The answer depends on the surgeon's training and technique used. Personally, unless I'm performing some type of small mini-lift, I always use a compression dressing for at least 24 hours to prevent the accumulation of old blood and serous fluid under the skin. In my opinion, this allows the face and neck the best opportunity to heal well. Good luck!