Facelift NYC | Risks of Facelift Surgery
Facelift NYC | Risks of Facelift Surgery
Facelift NYC | Risks of Facelift Surgery
Countless women have achieved a radiant, youthful appearance with a facelift in NYC, but before you go ahead with the procedure, become an informed patient. The potential risks of any surgery are serious and should be considered carefully. Use your consultation with your plastic surgeon to learn as much as you can about the facelift procedure and the possible complications.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, removes excess fat, and firms the muscles and skin around the face and neck. It is often performed under local anesthesia and a sedative. The procedure typically takes about two to three hours, depending on the specific needs of the patient. During your consultation, talk to your plastic surgeon about your trouble areas, such as sagging or creased skin, fat deposits, and poor muscle tone. Discuss your goals for your appearance and learn about potential risks.
The risks of any surgery can include adverse reactions to the anesthesia, infection, swelling, and bleeding. There is also a small possibility that the facial nerves could be injured or that a hematoma, which is a collection of blood, will form under the skin. Additionally, patients who smoke may be at risk of delayed healing. Some of the other risks of a facelift can include:
If you experience chest pains, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats, seek emergency medical help.
When you discuss the risks of the procedure with your plastic surgeon, remember to ask about the recovery process. Follow your surgeon’s directions for recovery for the best results. Your surgeon will provide you with a prescription for pain medication; follow the dosage schedule precisely.
Expect to have a facial bandage for the first couple of days. Your sutures will be removed in five to 10 days. Swelling and bruising are normal, and may last for up to three weeks. Place a cold compress on the incision site to alleviate the swelling, and try to keep your head elevated while lying down. Some degree of numbness may persist for up to six months. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke for two to four weeks following the surgery (and prior to the surgery).
Typically, most patients can return to work and light activities in about 10 to 14 days. Strenuous activities may be resumed in about three weeks.
During your procedure, the surgeon will likely use a fibrin sealant to lessen bruising and fuse together tissue layers. This material is made from donor blood plasma that has been carefully screened and treated. Fibrin sealant has been used safely in various surgeries for years.
In the months following the surgery, your appearance will continue to improve. Quite often, subsequent facelifts are unnecessary; however, some people choose to undergo another facelift in about 10 to 15 years to maintain the results.
Any surgery is a serious undertaking, and it’s important to choose your plastic surgeon wisely. Dr. Loeb is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an impeccable international reputation. He takes the utmost care in performing each surgery safely with attention to natural-looking results. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Loeb in his Fifth Avenue office by calling 212-327-3700.
