A facelift is quite a popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, with nearly 107,261 women and 13,702 men opting for the procedure. Due to its quick and long-lasting results, the young population is also gravitating toward facelift surgeries. It helps boost their confidence and appreciate their beauty.
But, what exactly is a facelift procedure? Are there any complications or risks involved? If Yes, how can you deal with such complications? There are numerous other questions related to this procedure that must be taken into consideration before opting for the treatment plan. So, let’s get some insights!
What Is A Facelift?
Facelift, better known as rhytidectomy, is generally performed to improve the face’s appearance by lifting and tightening the skin tissues. The procedure takes around 2 to 5 hours, and patients are allowed to go back home after the surgery. Many people opt for neck-lift surgery along with a facelift to tighten the skin and get a younger-looking appearance.
It is noteworthy that this procedure is invasive. That means it includes small incisions or cuts to remove the excess skin tissues and tighten the skin. These cuts are later closed using staples or sutures.
What Are The Complications Involved?
Although complications or risks involved in the surgery are rare, it does not mean you shouldn’t be well-versed with them. If the surgery is performed by an experienced and qualified professional, the chances of experiencing these complications are infrequent. However, if you do not select the professional wisely, it can lead to medical malpractice and possible injuries.
The common risks involved in this surgery include:
- Complications of anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Damaged facial nerves (typically temporary)
- Scarring
- Numbness
- Unevenness between two sides of the face
- Skin necrosis
- Widen scar
In addition to this, you may also notice inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain after a few days of surgery. If these complications do not get better with medical treatment or within a few days, it could be due to medical malpractice.
What To Do If You Suffer An Injury Due To Surgeons’ Mistake?
As mentioned above, the chances of getting complications in facelift procedures are very rare. However, if the surgeon does not comply with their roles and responsibilities, leading to an injury or risk, you must take the right step. In these scenarios, get in touch with a no win no fee lawyer practicing in the personal injury law. The lawyer can explain the different causes of medical malpractice and how you can make a claim for the same.
Such mistakes often happen when the surgeon is overworked, has inexperienced assistance, or is due to rushed staff. The lawyer can use these points to file the claim.
How To Recover From Procedure?
To avoid any possible complications, it is necessary that you also follow a recovery plan and take utmost care of your new younger looking skin. It will help accelerate your recovery and also improve the results.
It is common for patients to experience slight discomfort after the surgery. To deal with it, make sure to take recommended medications. After the two days of procedures, the bruising and swelling are at their peak and persist for a few days. If you don’t take care of your skin, swelling may continue for longer. It may take up to 2 weeks for swelling to reduce and four weeks to perform any vigorous activity.
As for the sutures, they are removed after 5 to 10 days of surgery. You should follow the surgeon’s instructions for bathing and washing to keep the incisions and bandages dry. It will also accelerate the recovery process, ensuring proper healing.
What Not To Do After Surgery?
Your diet, skincare, and exercise will play a critical role in providing you with the best results from the procedure. Aside from this, you must avoid following the things to maintain the skin’s appearance:
- Minimize stress- You can try yoga and meditation to lower your stress level.
- Reduce sun exposure – wear sunscreen whenever going out or exposing your skin to the sun.
- Avoid smoking and reduce your alcohol intake.- It increases the risk of complications after surgery and affects the healing of cuts. Therefore, it is often recommended to quit smoking or any nicotine product to avail best benefits of this procedure.
To Sum It All Up
Opting for a facelift or any cosmetic procedure is not necessarily bad, provided you learn about the possible risks and complications. It would also be great if you consult the surgeon about the procedure and recovery plan. Follow the recommended plan to avoid any possible damage.