Is Facelift Surgery Safe for You?

When considering facelift surgery, understanding the procedure, including safety considerations, potential risks, and post-operative care, is important. A thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon can provide comprehensive information tailored to your individual circumstances. 

This discussion should cover both potential benefits and possible complications to support informed decision-making. Any decision regarding surgery should be made thoughtfully, with emphasis on patient education and comfort throughout the process.

Possible Risks and Complications of Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery, like any surgical procedure, involves inherent risks that can vary based on individual factors such as health status, age, skin characteristics, and the procedure’s complexity. 

It is important for individuals to have a comprehensive discussion with their qualified healthcare provider to understand the potential benefits, associated risks, and any questions specific to their case. This allows for informed, balanced decision-making tailored to each person’s unique circumstances.

1. Infection: Any surgical procedure opens up the possibility of infection. Though rare, an infection can occur if bacteria enter the incision site.
2. Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood beneath the skin that can cause swelling, pain, and bruising. Hematomas are more common in the first 24 hours post-surgery.
3. Nerve Injury: Temporary or, in very rare cases, permanent nerve damage can occur, leading to facial numbness or muscle weakness.
4. Scarring: Though facelift scars are usually well-hidden in natural folds or behind the ears, visible scarring can occur, especially if the incision doesn’t heal well.
5. Hair Loss at the Incision Sites: Hair loss can sometimes occur around the incision lines, especially near the temples or behind the ears.
6. Prolonged Swelling and Bruising: While swelling and bruising are typical side effects of surgery, some people may experience them for longer than expected.
7. Unsatisfactory Results: Some individuals may not be happy with the final outcome, either due to unrealistic expectations or issues with the surgery itself.

How to Minimise Facelift Risks?

It may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of complications, but patients can take steps to reduce their likelihood by choosing experienced medical professionals, following thorough preoperative assessments, and adhering to recommended postoperative care. 

Understanding that no procedure is without potential risks allows individuals to approach cosmetic surgery decisions with realistic expectations and a focus on their overall health and safety. This approach encourages well-informed choices and proactive discussions with healthcare providers for the best possible outcome.

Here are some steps that can potentially, but are not guaranteed to minimise complications:

1. Choose a Qualified Surgeon: Selecting a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon is critical. Check their credentials and ensure they have significant experience in performing facelift surgeries.
2. Have Realistic Expectations: While a facelift can help reduce visible signs of ageing, it won’t completely change your facial structure or stop the ageing process. Understanding the potential results is essential for satisfaction with the surgery.
3. Follow Pre-Surgery Guidelines: Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions to prepare for surgery. This may include stopping certain medications, quitting smoking, or adjusting your skincare routine to optimise healing.
4. Follow Post-Operative Care: Keep incision sites clean, manage swelling with cold compresses and head elevation, and avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or exercise during the initial recovery period. Your surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions to help you on your recovery.
5. Regular Appointments: Follow up check-ups with your surgeon are essential. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your healing process and address any concerns early on.
6. Be Patient with Recovery: Full recovery from facelift surgery can take several weeks, with some residual swelling or minor bruising lasting longer. Patience and following your surgeon’s advice will ensure the best results.

Should I have a Facelift?

Deciding on facelift surgery is a personal decision that requires thoughtful consideration of your health, potential risks, and realistic expectations. It is essential to have thorough discussions with qualified professionals to understand the procedure, possible outcomes, and risks involved. 

Consultations with both your GP and a specialist plastic surgeon can help ensure all necessary medical evaluations and assessments are in place. If at any point you have concerns or questions, it is important to express these to your medical provider for comprehensive guidance.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.