What Risks Do You Take When You Have A Facelift?

Facelift surgery is a major operation and it carries the same risks as any other major operation. You have to have a general anaesthetic and this carries the risk of an adverse reaction, a deep vein thrombosis or breathing problems, particularly if you smoke.  Bleeding can be a problem during surgery and, if this occurs in the few hours after, blood can clot under the skin forming a haematoma.

This may need another operation done as an emergency to stop the bleeding and remove the clotted blood. Two operations done together can increase the risk of wound infection, and antibiotics are used to counteract this.

You also take the risk that the face you end up with is not really what you want. Some people scar very badly, because of genetic factors, and end up with raised red scars that can be difficult to disguise. Most people's scars are flat and fade and are hidden by the hair, but if you have ever had a keloid scar before, it is important to tell your surgeon beforehand.