Facelift Plastic Surgery Risks And Safety

Over the years, advancements in surgical technologies and techniques have made facelift plastic surgery a much safer and less invasive procedure. Facelift surgery is also associated with certain risks, similar to any plastic surgery procedure. 

At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will explain various aspects of the facelift surgery to the patient, including its risks of complications. Patients should openly ask the surgeon questions on the risks and safety of this procedure. They should feel fully satisfied with the surgeon’s responses prior to proceeding with the surgery. 

A dedicated surgeon will answer all questions and resolve any concerns that the patient may have about facelift. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez provides facelift surgery to patients in El Paso, TX, and surrounding communities.

Common Risks

Adverse Response to Anesthesia

In general, facelift surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Administering anesthesia is generally a safe procedure. But in rare cases, it can cause a poor response. This risk is higher in patients who have a pre-existing medical condition.

Infection

The risk of infection exists in any surgical procedure. This risk is involved in facelift surgery, as well. The surgical facility must maintain stringent hygiene and sanitation standards to minimize this risk.  

Patients can also reduce the risk of infection development by following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions in a diligent manner and making are that the incision areas are protected against germs and contaminants. 

Hematoma 

A hematoma occurs if the patient experiences bleeding underneath the skin in the incision areas. It can lead to discomfort in the affected sites, along with swelling and skin discoloration. The patient may need additional treatment to address this complication. The placement of temporary drain pipes minimizes the risk of hematoma.

Nerve Damage

In exceptional cases, an aggressive facelift cosmetic surgery can lead to a nick or cut in a facial nerve. This may cause facial numbness, or in extreme circumstances, facial paralysis. However, the treatment of this condition is usually possible, and the damage will likely not be permanent. 

Unwanted Scarring

Facelift plastic surgery is a significant procedure, which will involve a certain level of scarring. But an experienced surgeon will make incisions inconspicuously to make sure that any future scarring remains discreet. In rare cases, the scarring may be visible, and the scars may not be well-concealed behind the hair or hairline.

Reducing the Risks

To minimize the risks associated with facelift surgery, the patient should work with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. Board-certified surgeons typically invest in cutting-edge surgical techniques, maintain top-notch quality standards, pursue continuing education, and follow recent safety protocols.

The patient, on their part, should truthfully reveal all relevant information that the surgeon requires related to their health condition, drug intake, and smoking and drinking habits. This will allow the surgeon to make the required modifications to reduce surgical risk. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez receives patients from El Paso, TX, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.

For more information on Plastic Surgery (cirugía plástica) and Non-Surgical Medical Spa procedures and treatments, please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (cirujano plástico), Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez (Dr. G) by clicking here or calling 915-600-2639.

Serving patients in El Paso Texas, Las Cruces New Mexico, Ciudad Juárez Mexico and surrounding areas.