Rhytidectomy; Cosmetic surgery of the face

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Problems breathing
• Reactions to medications

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Other risks include:

• A pocket of blood under the skin (hematoma) that may need to be drained
• Damage to the nerves that control muscles of the face (this is usually temporary)
• Wounds that do not heal well
• Pain that does not go away
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation

Although most patients are happy with the outcomes, poor cosmetic results that may require additional surgery include:

• Unpleasant scarring
• Asymmetry of the face
• Fluid that collects under the skin
• Irregular skin shape (contour)
• Changes in skin color
• Sutures that become visible or cause irritation

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Facelift Overview

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Facelift Recovery

Review Date: 10/15/2009
Reviewed By: David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)