Common Side Effects after Facelift Surgery

If you have been considering undergoing a facelift procedure, you should know that, like any form of plastic surgery, there are potential side effects associated with going under the knife. Fortunately, most side effects are an entirely normal part of the healing process and will subside with time. Furthermore, the side effects of a facelift will vary from person to person and depend largely on individual health and lifestyle choices.

Potential Facelift Side Effects

• Pain: Expect to experience some pain immediately following and in the first few days after your facelift procedure. Your doctor will prescribe you medication to reduce discomfort, and your pain should gradually subside within several days. However, if you experience sudden or severe pain, or your pain intensifies with time, schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon.
• Swelling: A significant amount of swelling is normal following your facelift and is simply the body’s natural way of reacting to any injury or trauma. Swelling can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks and will begin to subside gradually. However, if swelling worsens or is accompanied by increased pain or redness, you may have an infection and should contact your doctor immediately.
• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection involved in any surgical procedure. Sudden severe pain, swelling that’s worsening, and redness are all indications of possible infection and should be brought to your plastic surgeon’s attention immediately. Infection can be avoided by following your doctor’s instructions, including properly cleaning and bandaging incisions.
• Bruising: Bruising is another entirely normal result of a facelift. It will be most pronounced around the eyes in the first few days following your procedure and will fade within a couple of weeks as the body begins to heal itself.
• Loss of sensation: Feeling numb after a facelift, notably near the incision sites, is entirely normal after a facelift and will generally subside within a few weeks. In very rare cases, patients may experience permanent nerve damage.
• Scarring: Different factors contribute to the amount of scarring present following a facelift. Most notably, if you have a tendency to scar easily or scar abnormally, you run a greater chance of developing scars following your procedure. Fortunately, most facelift scars are well-concealed above the hairline or behind the contours of the ears. Your scars will also fade from pink to white in time.

Side Effect Factors

Each patient will heal differently after undergoing a facelift procedure. Factors that will ensure that you will recover more quickly and thoroughly include personal lifestyle choices, such as not smoking and being in generally good health. It is just as important to a successful recovery that you select a renowned and highly qualified plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure, as doing so will ensure that you yield the best results.

Learn More about Teeth Whitening Side Effects

If you see loose, saggy skin when you look in the mirror and would like to recover a more vibrant and youthful appearance, you may want to consider undergoing a facelift. To learn more about the potential side effects, as well as how to minimize or even avoid them all together, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ken Smart today. He and his staff are willing and able to address any questions and concerns you may have and put you on your way to feeling your most confident yet.