A traditional facelift is a surgical procedure performed by a licensed facial plastic surgeon. It is designed to improve moderate to advanced skin laxity on the middle and lower part of the face, including the neck, according to Washington, D.C. facelift surgeon Dr. Adam E. Singleton, MD of Capital Facial Plastic Surgery.

And as with any surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, complications could arise, which is why, first and foremost, you must be discerning about your choice of surgeon and clinic. Make sure that the surgeon and clinic are both of good reputation. That said, take your time finding the right facial plastic surgeon for your facelift procedure. In Washington, D.C., facelift surgeon Dr. Singleton is considered as one of the best and most trusted by both patients and colleagues.

Complications from a Facelift Surgery

While rare and uncommon, complications from a surgical facelift could occur; and simply for the reader’s information and reference, here are some of them:

1. Bleeding

Bleeding during and/or after surgery may be caused by blood thinners the patient took before the procedure. Therefore, patients are advised not to take any type of blood thinners, including aspirin, for at least one week prior to surgery. If you did take medication, it is important to inform your surgeon right away before surgery.

Sometimes, however, it’s not the blood thinners that caused the bleeding. It could be a complication that arose from medical history; that is, the patient has had a history of bleeding. These will be discussed by the surgeon during consultation, so make sure to provide accurate and honest answers for your safety.

2. Side effects from anesthesia

During consultation, your surgeon will ask if you are allergic to anesthesia or any of its components. If you have no prior knowledge, you may be tested first to make sure no complications will arise during and after your facelift surgery. However, even without a history of allergic reaction, complications from anesthesia may still arise, but again, this is rare.

If you have trouble in breathing, develop hives or a sore throat, feel nauseous, or experience vomiting, during surgery, you may be manifesting an allergic reaction to anesthesia.

3. Inflammation

Pain and discomfort are common after surgery, which should subside in a few days (around Day 4 or 5). If the pain persists and does not subside, accompanied by inflammation around the treatment area and fever, you may have an infection. Consult your surgeon immediately, advises Washington, D.C. facelift surgeon Dr. Adam Singleton.

4. Scarring

Scarring is quite normal during the healing and recovery process; and as the stitches begin to heal completely, the scars will turn from red to brown to a color that is close to your skin tone, which means it will hardly be noticeable. However, if you notice that the scar isn’t healing properly or worse, it appears to have become wider and more prominent, you should consult your surgeon right away. They will evaluate the condition of the scar and determine if it will fade away in time or if further treatment is required.

Scarring could be a sign too that the wound may have become infected, in which case, immediate attention is needed.

Washington, D.C. Facelift Surgeon

Do you have more questions about surgical facelift complications? Or do you wish to learn more about the best facelift technique for your specific concerns? Please feel free to give Capital Facial Plastic Surgery a call at (240) 630-8175 to schedule a consultation with one of the most trusted facial plastic surgeons in the Chevy Chase, MD and Washington, D.C. areas, Dr. Adam E. Singleton, MD.