1. Bleeding – It is possible, though unusual, to experience bleeding during or after surgery. If postoperative bleeding occurs, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (haematoma). Blood transfusion is rarely required. Increased activity too soon after surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to follow all postoperative instructions and avoid strenuous activity for the advised period. I have stopped taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and any herbal or dietary supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding, as advised by my Consultant.
2. Infection – Infection is unusual after this surgery. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics or surgery may be necessary.
3. Scarring – All surgery results in scars. Although good wound healing is expected, scars may be wider, thicker, or more prominent than anticipated. Scar colour and texture may differ from surrounding skin, and scars may appear different on each side of the body. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring may occur, particularly in patients of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent. Visible suture marks are possible. In some cases, further treatment such as steroid injections, silicone products, or surgical scar revision may be required.
4. Damage to Deeper Structures – Deeper structures such as blood vessels, muscles, and particularly nerves may be damaged during the course of surgery. The potential for this to occur varies with the type of facelift procedure performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.
5. Asymmetry – The human face is normally asymmetrical. There can be a variation from one side to the other in the results obtained from a facelift procedure.
6. Nerve Injury – Motor and sensory nerves may be injured during a facelift operation. Weakness or loss of facial movements may occur after facelift surgery. Nerve injuries may cause temporary or permanent loss of facial movements and feeling. Such injuries may improve over time. Injury to sensory nerves of the face, neck and ear regions may cause temporary or more rarely permanent numbness. Painful nerve scarring is very rare.
7. Chronic Pain – Chronic pain is a very rare complication after a facelift.
8. Skin Disorders/Skin Cancer – A facelift is a surgical procedure for the tightening of skin and deeper structures of the face. Skin disorders and skin cancer may occur independently of a facelift.
9. Unsatisfactory Result – There is the possibility of a poor result from the facelift surgery. This would include risks such as unacceptable visible deformities, loss of facial movement, wound disruption, and loss of sensation. You may be disappointed with the results of surgery. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.
10. Allergic Reactions – In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.
11. Hair Loss – Hair loss may occur in areas of the face where the skin was elevated during surgery. The occurrence of this is not predictable.
12. Delayed Healing – Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the face may not heal normally or may take a long time to heal. Areas of skin may die. Frequent dressing changes or further surgery may be required to remove the non healed tissue. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.
13. Long Term Effects – Subsequent alterations in facial appearance may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, sun exposure, or other circumstances not related to facelift surgery. Facelift surgery does not stop the aging process or produce permanent tightening of the face and neck. Future surgery or other treatments may be necessary to maintain the results of a facelift operation.