subject: Face Lift: Know The Risks Before You Opt For The Procedure [print this page] Most complications that result from this surgery don't last. They just slow down the recovery time, cause unnecessary hassles or make you have to see the doctor again for a quick treatment. Still, if you're thinking a face lift might be right for you, you should know the possible risks involved.
Some folks react badly to the anesthesia used. Your plastic surgeon will use either a local or general anesthesia so that you won't feel a thing during surgery. If you have an allergy, or medical complications related to anesthesia, there might be problems.
Because of this, doctors will ask lots of detailed questions about your medical history before the operation. Most will do blood tests and other examinations to make sure there won't be any trouble during surgery. If you have an allergic reaction, you'll have to reschedule your operation and the doctor will have to consider other options.
With most operations, there will be a little fluid under the skin afterwards. This will cause some minor swelling, puffiness and sometimes redness. If it's bad, it can lead to a condition known as "hematoma." Hematoma means excessive blood or other fluid under the skin, and it needs to be treated.
Treatment involves draining the fluid, and it's a separate surgical procedure. This means more money you'll have to pay, and another operation to recover from. However, it's easy to treat. Let your doctor know if the swelling doesn't get better within a few days of your surgery.
Numbness In the face is the most common risk associated with the face lift. It's actually nothing to worry about. Almost everybody experiences some numbness here and there after surgery, before the nerves have had a chance to fully reconnect themselves.
If it doesn't get better, or if it seems to be getting worse, talk to your doctor immediately. There may be nerve damage in some part of the face. If untreated, this can cause lifetime problems where you can't move some part of your face. If you get to the doctor as soon as possible, they can treat it and fix the problem. Numbness is almost always temporary, and cases of permanent nerve damage are rare.
As with all types of surgery, there is always a risk of infection. Follow your doctor's post-operative care instructions carefully, and you'll have nothing to worry about.
Risks and complications from a face lift are very rare, but you should still know what to expect. In most cases, everything goes just fine, and you'll be enjoying your new look in no time.
