Possible Complications with Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

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The most common complication after a face lift in Hawaii is a collection of blood under the skin, known as hematoma. In less than 2% of face lift operations, this collection of blood must be removed by a Hawaii cosmetic surgeon in the operating room immediately post-procedure. Occasionally, small hematomas are removed in the office several days after the procedure. Other complications such as infection, eye irritation, delayed healing or excessive scarring are uncommon. Face lifts rarely produce serious complications.

During your Hawaii face lift, incisions are placed either within the hair or in natural folds and lines of the face so that they are inconspicuous or easily hidden by makeup or hair styling. Your scars fade with time and are usually not noticeable. Nevertheless, you should be aware that scars are permanent, and their width, height, and color are not totally predictable.

As with any surgical procedure, face lift in Hawaii disrupts small sensory nerves near the surface of the skin. As a result, portions of your scalp, cheeks, and neck will feel numb or have less than full feeling. Sensation returns over several months, but some diminished feelings may last indefinitely. Facial nerve injury with weakness of a part of the face can occur on a transient or permanent basis. The latter is very rare.

Other complications not listed here can occur but are exceedingly rare. Nonetheless, it is important to enter into your Hawaii face lift aware not only of the benefits, but also of the possible complications. Talk with your surgeon about every question and concern you may have.

If you want to learn more about face lift complications or you are worried about a particular risk, request a Free Face Lift Consultation with Hawaii cosmetic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger at his plastic surgery offices in Honolulu, Maui and Kona.