Our Summary

This research paper looks at how controlling high blood pressure can reduce the most common complication after a facelift surgery - a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. The researchers reviewed the medical records of 502 patients who had facelifts by the same surgeon between 2004 and 2018. They found that by keeping patients’ systolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) below 120 mmHg after the surgery, the risk of hematoma was significantly reduced. Before this stricter blood pressure control was put in place in 2013, 12 out of 319 patients developed a hematoma. After the new protocol, only 1 out of 183 patients did. Importantly, they also didn’t find any negative side effects from keeping the blood pressure lower. So, the study concludes that it’s a safe and effective way to prevent hematoma after a facelift.

FAQs

  1. How can the risk of hematoma be reduced after a facelift surgery?
  2. What was the outcome of the study on controlling blood pressure after facelift surgery?
  3. Were there any negative side effects found from keeping the blood pressure lower after a facelift surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing a facelift surgery to closely monitor and control their blood pressure post-operatively to reduce the risk of complications such as hematoma. Keeping the systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing a hematoma after the surgery. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Facelift surgery is typically recommended for patients who are looking to address signs of aging in the face, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of volume. Patients who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery, and do not have any medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications are good candidates for a facelift.

In this specific study, the researchers found that controlling high blood pressure in patients undergoing facelift surgery was effective in reducing the risk of hematoma, a common complication of the procedure. Therefore, patients who have high blood pressure or are at risk for developing high blood pressure may benefit from stricter blood pressure control before and after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

Overall, it is important for patients considering facelift surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. Patients should also discuss any medical conditions they have, including high blood pressure, to ensure that the surgery can be done safely and effectively.

Timeline

Before a facelift surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
  2. Pre-operative appointments: The patient may undergo pre-operative testing, such as blood work and a physical exam, to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Preparation: The patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications, avoid smoking, and follow specific pre-operative instructions to optimize their outcome.

After a facelift surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care: The patient will be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours before being discharged home.
  2. Recovery at home: The patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery and will need to follow post-operative instructions for pain management and wound care.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
  4. Long-term results: Over time, the swelling and bruising will gradually improve, and the patient will begin to see the final results of their facelift surgery.

Overall, the timeline of a facelift surgery involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring, and consistent follow-up care to ensure a successful outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about facelift surgery, specifically in relation to blood pressure control and hematoma prevention, include:

  1. How will my blood pressure be monitored and controlled during and after the surgery?
  2. What is the target blood pressure range that I should aim for after the facelift surgery?
  3. Are there any specific medications or lifestyle changes that I should consider to help keep my blood pressure low post-surgery?
  4. What are the potential risks or complications associated with not controlling my blood pressure effectively after the procedure?
  5. How will you ensure that my blood pressure stays within the desired range during the recovery period?
  6. Are there any alternative methods or treatments available to prevent hematoma, aside from blood pressure control?
  7. How common is hematoma after facelift surgery, and what are the signs and symptoms that I should watch out for?
  8. What steps should I take if I suspect that I may have developed a hematoma after the surgery?
  9. How frequently will I need to follow up with you or your medical team to monitor my blood pressure and overall healing progress?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources about the relationship between blood pressure control and hematoma prevention in facelift surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bassiri-Tehrani B, Abi-Rafeh J, Baker NF, Kerendi AN, Nahai F. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2023 Nov 16;43(12):1420-1428. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjad228. PMID: 37439229