Any operation can yield a complication and facelift is no exception. Fortunately, these are usually minor, and seldom does the patient suffer significantly. Major complications are just not acceptable in elective cosmetic surgery cases.
- Hematoma – bleeding can sometimes begin after the operation is over and accumulate under the skin. The blood needs to be evacuated and the bleeding stopped. Occasionally this will require a return to the operating room. Smaller hematomas can be drained at the bedside. The incidence is about 5% of cases. When properly dealt with hematomas do not affect the outcome of the operation.
- Seroma – serum is a protein-rich fluid normally accumulating in a wound as a component of healing. If enough accumulates in an area it needs to be drained. This is always a minor office procedure and has no effect on the outcome of the case.
- Wound healing issues – almost always these are small and heal by themselves without significant sequelae. The most likely location is behind the ear which is fortunate since it is well hidden. Seldom is a surgical revision of the area needed. Major wound problems requiring surgical intervention are almost unheard of.
- Infection – very, very rare.
- Nerve damage – permanent injury to a motor nerve (governs muscle function of the face) is extremely rare and really shouldn’t happen. Temporary motor nerve malfunction happens occasionally due to indirect trauma but will return in time.
- Unsightly scars – very unlikely with a facelift. They can be improved with a surgical scar revision.
There are unusual complications reported after facelifts which are decidedly rare and will not be discussed here. It is important to keep in mind that a properly executed facelift has a very low complication rate and will deliver a predictably good result. Unfortunately, there are “surgeons” out there that do not properly execute the operation.
