Is a Face Lift Safe?
A facelift, while generally safe, carries potential risks and complications. The safety of the procedure depends heavily on the individual patient's health, the surgeon's experience, and adherence to proper post-operative care.
Facelifts, also known as rhytidectomies, aim to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. While effective, they are surgical procedures and thus inherently carry some level of risk. Common complications include:
- Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin is the most frequent complication.
- Scarring: Incision scars are a natural part of the procedure, though their visibility varies.
- Nerve injury: This can lead to numbness, altered sensation, or changes in facial movement.
- Asymmetrical facial features: Uneven results can occur.
- Hair loss: In some cases, hair loss around the incision sites might happen.
- Infection: As with any surgery, infection is a possibility.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding is a potential complication.
- Tissue death: In rare cases, tissue death can occur due to compromised blood supply.
More serious, though rare, complications can include changes in facial appearance that may be long-term or permanent. Appropriate care, medication, or further surgery may be needed to manage some complications. The risks also increase with older patients; however, studies show that risks in patients 75 and older are similar to those of middle-aged patients when other factors are controlled.
Minimizing Risks
Choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial in minimizing risks. Thorough pre-operative consultations, realistic expectations, and diligent adherence to post-operative instructions are also essential.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/safety) provides valuable information on facelift safety and risk reduction.
Nonsurgical Options
It's important to note that non-surgical facelift options exist. These procedures generally carry fewer risks than surgery, though their effectiveness and longevity may differ. The safety of non-surgical facelifts varies depending on the specific procedure selected.
