Facelifts are very safe procedures, and most people recover comfortably and easily. However, like all procedures, there are some risks and potential complications. If you’re planning on getting a facelift, you should be aware of the complications that could arise and the best ways to prevent and treat them.
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Bleeding
Bleeding is the most common complication after a facelift. Some minor bleeding in the first few days following your surgery is normal, and the bandages should keep it under control. In cases of severe and uncontrollable bleeding, you should seek medical attention right away.
When bleeding occurs under the skin, you may develop a hematoma. This will cause painful swelling underneath your skin, and you’ll need an additional surgery to stop the bleeding and drain the blood that has accumulated.
Bleeding issues after surgery are often caused by uncontrolled blood pressure. Your doctor may give you medication to lower your blood pressure before, during, and after surgery, which will reduce your risk of excessive bleeding.
There are also some things you should avoid before surgery to prevent bleeding while you recover. Don’t take aspirin or ibuprofen, both of which are blood thinners and will make you bleed more. Other blood thinners include alcohol, vitamin E, fish oil, and most herbal supplements. Discontinue your use of all of these substances at least two weeks before your surgery to lower your risk of complications.
Scarring
Scarring is normal after your surgery, and it should mostly fade within a year. Facelift scars are usually concealed in your hairline, so they’re not very noticeable. You can also cover them up with makeup. There’s a small chance that you’ll be left with a large, red, or raised scar, even after your face has completely healed. Corticosteroids and other treatments can help reduce its appearance.
Skin Necrosis
Skin necrosis occurs when the blood supply to your skin is reduced or cut off completely. When your skin doesn’t get enough oxygen or nutrients from your blood, it dies. This isn’t common after a facelift, but it does happen to a small percentage of people.
Smoking before your surgery is a major risk factor for experiencing skin necrosis during your recovery. You should stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery, and you shouldn’t smoke at all while you recover. Skin necrosis can also be caused by bleeding or tension under the skin, a pre-existing vascular disease, or a compression garment that’s too tight.
Minor cases of skin necrosis will heal on their own in a few weeks. Severe cases, which are very rare, may need surgery to be fixed.
Infection
Infections after a facelift are extremely rare, but they have happened. If your surgical site is infected, your skin may be red, hot, or tender. There may also be some pus around the incisions. Some mild redness or discomfort is normal, so you shouldn’t panic if you notice this. Contact your doctor if the redness or pain worsens, though. If you do have an infection, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.
Nerve Injury
It’s common to experience some nerve dysfunction for a few hours after your surgery. Less than one percent of all patients experience long-term or permanent nerve damage. This may occur if the nerve was accidentally cut during the surgery. Nerve damage can also happen if your doctor uses cauterization to stop your bleeding.
Nerve damage may heal spontaneously in a few months. If it doesn’t go away on its own, your doctor may be able to repair it surgically. In very rare situations, the damage is permanent.
Changes in Sensation
As your face and neck tissues move around, you may feel changes in your skin sensation. Parts of your cheeks, neck, and scalp may be numb, or you may feel a tingling sensation. This can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, but it’s almost always temporary.
Hair Loss
Some people have temporary or permanent hair loss at the incision sites. Depending on the extent of the hair loss, you may be able to simply cover it up with the rest of your hair. Most people who experience hair loss start to see it regrow within three months. If the hair loss is permanent and noticeable, you can correct it with a hair transplant surgery. This surgery involves removing healthy follicles from other parts of your scalp and placing them in the bare areas. Eventually, new hair will start to grow from these healthy follicles.
If you have questions, you should always contact a professional. Dr. Mark Glasgold, Dr. Robert Glasgold, and Dr. Joelle Rogal are dedicated plastic surgeons at Glasgold Group in New Jersey. Glasgold Group offers facelifts and many other cosmetic facial procedures.
