Facelift Surgery Risks

Facelift Plastic Surgery 

Facelift plastic surgery has become a safer and less invasive procedure over the years because of the advancements made in surgical techniques and technologies. Facelift surgery has the same risks as any other cosmetic surgery procedure.

During the pre-op consultation, your surgeon will explain various aspects of the surgery to patients. This will include all risks and complications. Patients should not hesitate in openly asking surgeons questions about the risks and safety of the procedure. They should be fully satisfied with the surgeon’s responses before proceeding ahead with the surgery.

Dedicated surgeon would resolve all concerns and answer any questions a patient may have about the facelift procedure. The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides facelift surgery to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding communities.

Common Risks

Side effects of anesthesia

Generally, facelift surgery is performed when the patient is under general anesthesia. Anesthesia administration is usually a safe procedure. However, in rare cases it may cause a poor response. This risk tends to be higher in patients with pre-existing medical conditions.

Infection

The risk of infection is present in any surgical procedure. This holds true for facelift surgery as well. It is important that the surgical facility maintains stringent sanitation standards and hygiene for minimizing the risk.

Patients can reduce the development of risk of infection by following post-operative instructions of the surgeon in a diligent manner. The surgeon should also ensure the incision area is protected against contaminants and germs.

Hematoma

Hematoma occurs when patients experience bleeding under the skin in the area of incision. It can cause discomfort in the affected area, along with discoloration and swelling. Patients may require additional treatments for addressing this complication. Placing of temporary drain pipes helps in minimizing the risk of hematoma.

Nerve damage

In highly exceptional cases, an aggressive cosmetic surgery may lead to a cut or a nick in the facial nerve. This may result in facial numbness or facial paralysis. This is a treatable condition, and the damage is usually not permanent.

Unwanted scarring

Facelift cosmetic surgery is a significant procedure involving a high level of scarring. Committed surgeons will make inconspicuous incisions to ensure that future scarring remains discreet. Scarring may become visible in rare cases if they are not well-concealed behind the hairline or hair.

Reducing the Risks of Facelift Surgery

Patients need to work with experienced and skilled plastic surgeon to minimize risks associated with facelift procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons invest in advanced surgical techniques, pursue continuing education, maintain high-quality standards, and follow recent safety protocols.

On their part, patients should truthfully answer all relevant questions and information required by the surgeon relating to their drug intake, health condition, drinking, and smoking habits. You should be as forthcoming as possible.

This will help the surgeon make necessary modifications for reducing the surgical risk. When the facelift procedure is tailored to your unique medical, anatomical, and aesthetic needs, it can produce maximum effective results with minimal risk. Cosmetic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.

Contact Virginia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sundin Today for a Consultation

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, Virginia, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Tidewater, Sullfolk, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.