Guide To Elective Facelifts

by

Julie Glynn

Facelifts are a common elective procedure, and have been performed for over 60 years. Over the years the operation has undergone modifications and improvements, making it a relatively safe and routine procedure. Unfortunately, however, mistakes do occur and the pursuit of a more youthful appearance instead leads to pain and disfigurement. These mistakes may amount to medical negligence, and if so you may be entitled to compensation and corrective surgery.

What Is A Facelift?

While factors such as sagging cheeks and creases lines occur naturally as we get older, there are a number of elements which contribute to the ageing of the face, such as: hereditary factors, gravity, exposure to ultra-violet, and expressive facial expressions.

A facelift is an elective cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reverse the signs of ageing. Performed under general anaesthetic, a facelift will involve a surgeon making an incision high in the temple area, which will then continue down in front of the ear, round the earlobe, and around the back of the neck into the hairline. These incisions will be made on both sides, allowing the surgeon to pull the skin and deep tissues upwards, remodelling the face. The incisions will then be closed with stitches and metal clips, which are usually removed around two weeks after the procedure. After the operation, it is important to following post-operative instructions:-

* Do not take aspirin;

* Do not put your head below your heart and do not strain;

* Take Arnica tablets to aid the healing process;

* Wash your hair daily with a mild shampoo, but do not touch the suture lines;

* Do not travel abroad until three weeks after surgery;

* Abstain from exercise;

* Protect your scars from the sunlight for three months after surgery.

Risks Involved.

It is important to remember that a facelift will not eradicate all the signs of ageing. In fact, fine creases and wrinkles caused by exposure to the sun will reappear soon after a facelift, and are best treated with skin resurfacing laser. Furthermore, nothing will erase permanent creases, particularly on the lips, which may cause disappointment and frustration. In addition to these emotional side-effects, undergoing an elective face lift comes with potential physical complications, including:-

* Infection;

* Haematoma;

* Scarring; * Numbness of the face;

* Loss of control of facial muscles; * Delayed wound healing (particularly in diabetic patients or patients who smoke).

It is also possible that revision surgery will be needed, either because a patient has not effectively communicated his/her requirements, or because a facelift does not always produce a perfect result first time. While additional surgery carried out for revisional purposes does not incur any cost, undergoing surgery for a second time can be an unacceptable option for some people. When Does Cosmetic Surgery Amount To Medical Negligence?

If you have suffered disfigurement or pain and suffering following plastic surgery, you may well be entitled to compensation. We can obtain your medical records for you and assess whether you have a good chance of a successful claim. We can also investigate further private medical treatment that might improve your disfigurement or relieve your pain.

There are many examples when a facelift can lead to a medical negligence claim, including (but not exclusively):

* Failing to achieve the agreed objective;

* Making the appearance worse than prior to the surgery;

* Further disfigurement caused by the surgery.

Summary.

If you have suffered disfigurement or pain after an elective facelift you should seek early legal advice.

Copyright (c) 2010 Julie Glynn

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