Face lift ( also known as rhytidectomy ) is a cosmetic procedure that surgically removes sagging skin at the same time tighten skin muscles through sutures. It seems like a simple surgery as many quack cosmetic specialists advertise it but the truth is that involves many risks like any other surgery. It is therefore important when considering a facelift procedure to seek a medical specialist ( in this case a certified plastic surgeon ) to get professional advice. Certified plastic surgeons have been trained for this type of procedure and had years of experience with hundreds of patients. Consulting a good doctor helps in avoiding face lift complications since these specialist can guide their patients in the step-by–step procedures from pre-operation to post-operation procedures.

Since face lift is a surgical procedure, complications can be avoided by preparing in advance for the procedure. Psychological and physical preparedness is required so that the body can adjust to the changes brought about by the procedure. Women scheduled for face lift must be adequately rested and nourished to handle the post-operative stress. Doctors can also conduct a full medical screening that can detect possible problems such as allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes and other medical issues that can complicate the procedure. Certain people pose a higher risk for this type of surgery especially those on steroids , have poor blood clotting, suffer from hypertension or other pulmonary disease. A previous illness can bring complications that can be life-threatening especially during surgery. Doctors should be very careful in screening their patients since medical lawsuits are abound these days especially when the patients suffer from complications that are permanent. According to medscape, some possible complications from the surgery are infection, injuries on the nerve, hematoma ( bruising), loss of hair ( alopecia) and earlobe deformities, parotidgland pseudocysts and hypertrophic scarring. Bruising, swelling and skin discoloration are quite visible even after a few weeks since operation but would also disappear. Medications such as antibiotics and painkillers are often prescribed by the doctors to hasten recovery. Women who want facelift but are prohibited by their medical condition can try other non-invasive methods such as thermage or thread lift.