Face Lift or Rhytidectomy Risks and Side Effects
There is pain and discomfort for several days following surgery. Facial swelling is usually at its worst 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and it may take several weeks before all puffiness goes down.
Most bruising will disappear within two weeks. You will also experience some numbness in the facial area, which may last for several weeks or longer. Your stitches will be removed a week or so after surgery.
As with any operation, there are risks or side effects associated with a face lift or rhytidectomy, such as reactions to the anaesthetic, bleeding, haematoma, asymmetry and nerve damage.
Haematomas are collections of blood under the skin and, if small, can be absorbed of their own accord over several days. Drainage may be required for larger haematomas.
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles is usually only temporary, but can result in numbness to some areas of the face.
Asymmetry means that there is some difference in the result of the surgery in different parts of the face. At its worst, eyes can look lop-sided, or features do not seem to be lined up symmetrically after surgery. Such an uneven result is not common, however.
Post-operative infections, although rare, can occur.
Operation scars are permanent. They do fade over time and are usually hardly noticeable, as they are often hidden, either by your hair or the natural creases in your skin. Occasionally, however, scar tissue may widen and become thicker in the healing process making it more noticeable.
It is very important that you follow the advice of your surgeon carefully after a facelift.
Post-surgery advice may include:
- make sure that you have someone to take you home and who can look after you for at least 24 hours following this procedure;
- you will be advised to keep your head propped up at night in order to reduce swelling;
- use recommended painkillers as required;
- you may need to return for stitches or staples to be removed after a week or so;
- you should avoid any strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks following surgery. Your surgeon will usually advise you when you can return to normal activities;
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contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection or if you experience bleeding or a sudden increase in pain.
Additionally, when you leave a clinic or hospital after a face lift procedure you are likely to suffer from varying degrees of redness, bruising and swelling in the facial area, which may not be the most attractive face that you wish to present to the public as you walk down the street. There is however a solution.Lycogel® are the first truly breathable, completely safe camouflage and concealer products that oxygenate skin at the cellular level, and are suitable for immediate use after cosmetic procedures such as face lift surgeries. Doctors, skin specialists, aestheticians and beauty therapists use Lycogel® Camouflage & Concealer, because it is the only foundation that has the ability to promote the healing of damaged or postprocedural skin and can be used on the skin immediately following treatment, allowing you to face the world without a red face.
Few clinics currently offer this product, or any camouflage make-up, as part of the treatment service, so be prepared and take it with you. Lycogel® is available in a variety of shades to suit all skin colours.
For more information and to buy Lycogel® Camouflage and Concealer, please click here.
Most people can have this surgery as long as they are generally in good health. It is also vital that you are realistic about what you expect from a facelift.
If you are prone to keloid (red, angry, raised) scars, or have a history of problems with wound healing your surgeon may not recommend this procedure or may caution you that scars could be raised and very visible.