Facelift Advantages and Disadvantages

Apr 2, 2013 @ 09:00 AM — by dsherris

Once men and women reach a certain age, most commonly the early- to mid-forties, signs of aging begin to appear on the face. The appearance of facial aging can make a patient look and feel old. Signs of facial aging include wrinkles, fine lines, loss of volume, droopy skin, creases, and jowls. Men and women desiring a revitalized, refreshed, more youthful appearance may benefit from facelift surgery. By customizing the surgical technique to each individual patient, most patients will achieve natural-looking, yet dramatic results without experiencing negative side effects or developing complications after surgery. While this is true, there are risks involved with any surgery. It is vital that patients understand both the benefits and risks of facelift surgery before undergoing the procedure.

Facelift Benefits

One of the most difficult aspects of facial aging to accept for many men and women is that the physical signs of aging can be difficult to camouflage. Wrinkles, sagging skin, creases, and jowls cannot be hidden by make-up. Often, a patient will feel as young as he or she ever has, but his or her appearance does not reflect this vitality or youthfulness. For our patients in Buffalo, facelift surgery can address sagging, droopy skin, deep wrinkles, loss of volume, creases, and jowls, among other signs of facial aging. By reversing the signs of aging through facelift surgery, we can achieve a smoother, more youthful contour to the face. Patients can expect the results achieved through facelift surgery to last five to 15 or more years. The long-lasting results achieved through facelift surgery can help restore a patient’s confidence in her or his overall appearance.

Facelift Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with facelift surgery. For patients in Buffalo, facelift risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon who specializes in facial surgery. Buffalo plastic surgeon David Sherris is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology. The top priority of any surgeon is the safety of the patient. Dr. Sherris will do everything possible to ensure a safe surgery with an optimal outcome; however, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Fortunately, the risk of developing serious complications during or after surgery is quite low for most patients. Some of the possible risks that may result from facelift surgery include:

Post-operative complications: The most common complications after surgery are infection, reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, and hematoma
Hair loss: Temporary hair loss may occur at or near the incision sites
Skin loss: Very rarely, skin loss may occur behind the ear typically in patients who smoke as heavy smoking decreses blood flow. Just a note he won't do surgery on a heavy smoker unless they have quit for a month prior to surgery
Numbness or tingling around the incision areas: Changes in skin sensation may last for a few months to a couple of years
Skin discoloration

Find Out How Facelift Surgery Can Benefit You

If you are bothered by signs of facial aging and are in good health, you may benefit from facelift surgery. To learn more about the risks and benefits of facelift surgery, please contact the Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery today.