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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Facelift Surgery - What Are The Complications!

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Dr. Shilpi BhadaniCosmetic/Plastic Surgeon • 19 Years Exp.MBBS, MS - General Surgery, M.Ch - Plastic Surgery, Fellowship In Aesthetic Surgery, MRCS
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Are you thinking of undergoing a facelift surgery? It is a common form of cosmetic surgery which is undertaken for reversing the age-clock of the face. Although the procedure is considered to be largely safe, it is good to have a knowledge of the side effects and complications. You can expect complications such as scarring. It is very important to choose an efficient and experienced plastic surgeon as the success of the surgery depends a lot on him. 

Side-Effects: 

The major side effects of a facelift surgery are similar to the side effects of any kind of surgical procedure. However, there are some distinct complications which are associated with a facelift surgery. They are as follows: 

  1. Pain: Although most patients experience minor pain after a facelift surgery, a pain medication is usually prescribed by your surgeon for easing any kind of discomfort you experience. Skin numbness is likely after the surgery, which fades away on its own within a few days.
  2. Swelling: A lot of swelling occurs right after a facelift surgery is completed. However, this is nothing to be worried about as swelling is a part of your body’s natural reaction to any kind of injury. It subsides on its own as the body starts healing itself. The major swelling goes away within a few days, but some swelling may be experienced for several weeks after the surgery. 
  3. Bruising: Similar to swelling, bruising is also a natural aspect of the body after a facelift surgery. It occurs as the body reacts to the changes. Bruising is most common during the first few days after a facelift surgery, and it is most likely to occur around the eyes. It takes about 10-15days for the bruising to go away completely. Improvement in bruising can be observed with each passing day. 
  4. Scarring: Scarring is likely to remain pink for some months after a facelift surgery, after which it turns whitish and hardly noticeable.

Risks: Apart from the risks associated with any surgical procedure, other risks and complications which are likely after a facelift surgery are as follows: 

  1. Injury to the nerves which control your facial muscles, although this is temporary. 
  2. Problems related to proper skin healing. This is more common in patients who smoke. 
  3. Crusts on the incisions made during the facelift surgery are also indicated. This too is temporary. 
  4. A numb and tingling sensation around the incisions may be experienced. 

However, it is also important to point out that facelift surgery is one of the most commonly performed facial surgeries all over the world with very good and satisfying results. More and more women and men are opting for this because it causes age reversal like no other method.  The age is almost reversed at least 7-8 years and it is a very long lasting procedure. Most of the people look at it as an investment that they make on themselves rather than as an expense. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon.

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