With advancements in surgical technology and techniques, facelift cosmetic surgery has become a safer and less invasive procedure over the years. However, certain risks remain inherent to facelift, just like any other surgery. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about the risks and help them make a well-considered decision.
Patients should feel free to ask questions related to risk and safety, and satisfy themselves completely before going ahead with the facelift surgery. A dedicate surgeon will address all the concerns of the patient in a professional manner. Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide facelift to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Common Risks
Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia
Facelift surgery is usually performed using general anesthesia. Although the anesthesia procedure is very safe, but in rare cases it may cause a poor reaction, especially if the patient has an underlying medical condition.
Infection
The risk of infection is unavoidable during and after the facelift plastic surgery. It is possible to minimize this risk when the surgery center maintains professional standards of hygiene and sanitation, and follows the latest safety protocols. On their part, the patients should diligently follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and protect the incision areas against dust and contamination.
Hematoma
Hematoma can be caused if bleeding occurs underneath the skin in the incision areas. Hematoma can lead to discomfort as well as skin discoloration and swelling in the affected areas. A corrective surgery may have to be performed to repair this condition.
Nerve Damage
If an aggressive facelift surgery is performed, it may cause a cut or nick in a facial nerve in a rare case. This can create numbness or even partial facial paralysis. However, repair is usually possible and the damage will not be permanent.
Unfavorable Scarring
A facelift is a major surgery, which will involve some degree of scarring. But an experienced surgeon will place the incisions as inconspicuously as possible to keep the scarring very discreet. In rare cases, scarring may be obvious and marks may not be hidden in the hairline or behind the ears.
Minimizing the Risks
To minimize risks, the first step is to select a fully trained and qualified cosmetic surgeon. Board certified surgeons typically invest in the latest surgical techniques, maintain high quality standards, pursue continuing education and follow current safety protocols.
The patient, on their part, should make full disclosure of all relevant information asked for by the surgeon with regard to their health, current medications, and personal habits such as smoking. This will enable the surgeon to take appropriate measures to minimize the risk.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects will mostly disappear within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of surgery performed. The surgeon may prescribe prescription pain meds to keep the patient comfortable during the first week. Patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and other cities and communities outside this massive American metropolis have an opportunity to receive facelift surgery and various other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures from experienced cosmetic surgeons at ACPS.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery(ACPS)physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.