Face Lift: Know the Risks and How to Minimize Them

If you are considering a procedure that can make you look younger than you are, you should find out more about face lift surgery. This kind of procedure is quite common among adults, but like any surgery, there are some side effects and risks. Find out more about them before embarking on this treatment.

Before you get this procedure done, you will have to stop taking certain medications since some of them can make it difficult for your blood to clot, which can lead to excessive bleeding. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can cause issues with your recovery, so you need to avoid them for the weeks before and after the face lift. If you are taking any other medications, or even herbal supplements or vitamins, tell your doctor so he or she can let you know if they will need to be stopped to avoid complications. Additionally, be aware that you will need to stop smoking about one month before treatment since smoking can lead to tissue death due to lack of proper blood supply to the skin.

Not surprisingly, your surgeon will need to make a large cut into your skin during the face lift, and though it is typically in a hidden area, such as near behind the ears and near the hairline, the scar may still be visible. Aside from scarring, you may experience excessive bleeding, loss of hair, and even loss of sensation in the skin due to nerve damage. You could also get an infection, which is usually marked by redness on the incision, pain, and a fever. If you have these symptoms, get to your doctor since he or she can typically treat it quickly. The other risks, including loss of feeling on the skin, can be either temporary or permanent, but you should be prepared for the worst just in case.

Most of the time, serious side effects are rare, but having an inexperienced doctor or not listening to his or her instructions can increase your chances of something going wrong. Clearly, the best ways to reduce your risks during and after a face lift include finding an experienced doctor who acts professional and confident about the surgery, and also listening to directions carefully. For example, refusing to stop smoking or neglecting to mention all medications you are on to your surgeon can have unfortunate results. Therefore, both you and your doctor are important factors in the success of the procedure.