facelift risks

If you’re like many of my facelift patients in this age of technology, you’ve already taken advantage of the internet and done some research about the basics of face lifts. You probably know the goals of the surgery, the expected recovery time, the typical incisions and scars, etc. But every patient has questions they haven’t found online that they’re too embarrassed to ask. Rest assured that after 24 years as a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I’ve heard it all. Here are answers to some of the questions many of my patients are self-conscious about:

How much am I really putting my health at risk?

There’s no such thing as a risk-free surgery (or any risk-free medical procedure for that matter). But as long as your face lift is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon (preferably one who specializes in facelifts) in a safe medical environment, the risk is extremely low. A recent study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found the rate of major complications to be just 1.8%. To keep the risk particularly low, most of my patients opt for my specialized Band Aid Mini Facelift – a minimally invasive procedure that uses gentle numbing rather than general anesthesia.

I’ve been experiencing some constipation after my facelift. Is this something to be concerned about? What can I do about it?

Constipation is a common side effect of pain medications, so it’s not something to be concerned about. I recommend drinking plenty of water and trying apple juice or prune juice. If this doesn’t help, take three tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia, with a second dose in four hours if you haven’t had relief before then.

Is there anything I can do to prevent that “wind tunnel” look, or is it just a risk I have to take?

If a facelift is performed correctly, you should never look “windblown.” You can prevent this by choosing the right plastic surgeon – one with extensive experience, board certification, and a specialty in the procedure. Be sure to look at plenty of facelift before and after photos for the surgeon to see if you like his/her aesthetic taste and to make sure they haven’t given any of their patients the “wind tunnel” look.

How soon after my facelift can I have sex?

After your surgery, you should gauge your readiness by how much you can and cannot do without discomfort. There is no specific timeline for when your body will be healed enough for intimacy. However, if you’re a woman using oral contraceptives, keep in mind that the antibiotics you will be taking after surgery will interfere and make your birth control ineffective. A typical five-day course of antibiotics will stay in your system for ten days, so be sure to use another form of birth control if you have sex during this time.

Hopefully the facelift Q&A above gives you some answers you’ve been looking for. But remember, when you reach the point of choosing a plastic surgeon, you need to find someone you can speak to openly. Honest communication is crucial for a healthy and successful surgery, so on top of searching for a board-certified plastic surgeon, feel free to consult with several surgeons to see which one makes you feel most comfortable. To find out if I may be a good fit, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John LeRoy. Plus, for more cosmetic surgery tips, new blogs, and more, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.