Facelift Side Effects
Like all surgical procedures, facelift surgery is associated with some side effects and risks. An experienced surgeon can help minimize the risks associated with the facelift procedure. Read on to learn about the risks and side effects of the facelift plastic surgery procedure.
The Risks and Side Effects of Facelift Surgery
The risks and side effects of facelift surgery vary based on individual health and other factors like smoking, which can increase the risk for developing complications or other side effects. Though each person's experience following the facelift procedure is unique to the individual, the following are some possible side effects to be aware of.
- Pain: Pain is a common side effect of facelift surgery. Pain is expected in the first few days after surgery and should subside as the body heals. Pain medication may be prescribed by your surgeon to help reduce any pain or discomfort felt during the recovery process. Though pain is normal following the facelift procedure, if pain is sudden, severe, or worsens, you should notify your doctor.
- Bruising: Bruising is another common side effect following facelift surgery. Bruising is often most noticeable around the eyes and in the first few days following surgery. Bruising should fade as the body heals, generally over a week or two.
- Swelling: Swelling is expected after the facelift procedure and it is a normal response following surgery. Like bruising, swelling is generally worse within the first few days after surgery and should subside as the body heals. Swelling may take several weeks to fully go away, however, it should lessen each day. Swelling that worsens, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by increased pain and redness could be a sign of infection or other complication and should be brought to your physician's attention immediately.
- Scarring: Scarring is generally expected after facelift surgery. The amount of scarring experienced is largely dependent on personal likelihood of scarring, in other words, if you develop scars easily, you can expect to see scarring after surgery. Surgeon experience can also affect the level of scarring a patient sees. Fortunately, most facelift procedures keep incisions hidden within the hair line so scarring is less noticeable. Over time, scars will fade from a pink color to a lighter white.
- Numbness: Numbness, specifically around the incision sites, is a potential risk of facelift surgery. In most cases, numbness will go away within a few days.
- Nerve Damage: In very rare cases, some patients experience nerve damage as a result of a facelift; this is one of the many reasons why it is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon.
- Infection: Infection is another possible risk of facelift surgery, and any surgery for that matter. Infections can be avoided by following all of your surgeon’s instructions, including cleaning and bandaging incisions properly. Sudden or worsening pain, swelling, or redness are all indications of infection and should be brought to your doctor's attention immediately.
Contact Mesna Plastic Surgery Today!
Though facelift surgery is relatively safe, it is important to understand the possible side effects associated with this treatment. To discuss your specific risks and treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mesna today!