Complications are generally very rare with facelifts. Minor bleeding in the hours following surgery may occur and may necessitate surgery, which can be performed under local anesthesia, but full anesthesia may be necessary.
Infection is very rare, but can occur and will require treatment with antibiotics. If infection occurs, it is typically seen after 1-2 weeks and the signs are redness and swelling as well as increasing pain and fever. If you are in doubt, it is best that we see it in the clinic.
The nerves to the mimic muscles of the face can be affected by the operation, and this can cause loss of function of some of the muscles, especially the muscle that lifts the forehead and the muscle that pulls down the corner of the mouth. Fortunately, this loss is often temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent. The sensation to the outer ear can also be affected by the operation. Overall, the risk of nerve damage is less than 1% in experienced surgeons.