Complications after facelift
Facelifting is a facelift that eliminates any signs of age—related changes, even if they are pronounced.
The main indications for such an operation are deep wrinkles, a pronounced second chin, lowering of the outer corners of the eyes, sagging skin of the forehead and eyebrows, and the formation of wrinkles on the neck. Despite the relative safety of the procedure, it can still have some complications.
Complications
No one is immune from complications after facelifting, the main thing is their timely detection and elimination. Most often, this is moderate soreness and swelling. Hence one of the most popular questions among patients.: how long does the swelling last after facelift? It is quite difficult to answer it precisely, since this period is different for everyone. However, on average, the swelling resolves gradually within two to three weeks.
Rarer complications of facelift include:
- postoperative bleeding occurs in the early postoperative period, usually within 12 hours after the procedure. It is characterized by increased pain in the patient, severe swelling of the soft tissues;
- necrosis of the skin in the suture area is quite rare. It can occur in diseases such as diabetes or atherosclerosis;
- nerve damage occurs in case of incorrect actions of the surgeon. This complication affects the sensitivity of the face, and in the worst case, it can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. Treatment in this case is used, both conservative and surgical;
- the formation of noticeable scars — most often the scars after surgery are not very noticeable. However, if wound healing is complicated, scarring may not go as planned;
- facial contour deformity occurs due to the formation of postoperative hematomas. It is eliminated by surgical intervention;
- hair loss — this complication after facelift most often occurs at the site of the sutures. However, if hair falls out in other areas of the head, for example, due to stress, the patient is prescribed medication.
How to avoid complications
To avoid complications and edema after facelift, the patient must adhere to strict recommendations from specialists, both before and after surgery. Immediately before the intervention, the patient is advised to rest as much as possible and give the body proper nutrition. Smoking patients are also advised to give up this habit at least two weeks before surgery. The same applies to alcohol consumption.
After the operation itself, the guest of the clinic must stay in the hospital for at least 2-3 days under the supervision of doctors. The rehabilitation complex after facelift also includes wearing a special compression mask for a week, as well as a course of lymphatic drainage massage. The patient is advised to refrain from physical activity for some time.
