The Hidden Risks of Facelifts

*Collaborative Post

Facelifts are a common form of cosmetic surgery intended to create a younger appearance by tightening the skin and underlying tissues of the face. For many people, the procedure is seen as a way to improve self-image or reduce the visible signs of ageing.

While facelift surgery is often carried out safely, it is important to understand that complications can and do occur. Some are more widely known and discussed, but others receive less attention. These lesser-known risks can have a significant impact on physical and psychological wellbeing.

This blog post looks at the hidden risks of facelift surgery. It outlines the differences between expected side effects and potential complications, describes the issues that can arise during or after the procedure and explains what actions can be taken if something goes wrong.

The hidden risks of facelifts

While some risks of facelift surgery are covered during pre-operative consultations, others may be overlooked or downplayed. These complications can affect recovery, appearance and overall wellbeing, sometimes requiring further treatment.

• Nerve damage: facelift surgery involves working close to facial nerves. In some cases, nerves may be damaged during the procedure, leading to changes in sensation or muscle movement. This can include numbness, tingling or partial weakness in areas such as the mouth or eyes. In most cases, this is temporary, but some people experience longer-term effects.
• Facial asymmetry: a lack of symmetry in the face can occur when one side responds differently to surgery, or if skin and tissue are not repositioned evenly. This may be noticeable when talking or smiling and can affect self-confidence. Some forms of asymmetry may require revision surgery.
• Haematoma: a haematoma is a collection of blood under the skin, which can develop within the first few days after surgery. It may cause pain, swelling and skin discolouration. Small haematomas often settle on their own, but larger ones may require surgical drainage.
• Skin necrosis: poor blood supply to the skin can cause tissue damage, leading to skin necrosis. This complication can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring. It is more likely to occur in people who smoke or have conditions that affect circulation.
• Infection: although infection is a known risk of any surgery, it can be more serious in cosmetic procedures that involve skin manipulation. Signs of infection include redness, heat, swelling, discharge or a rise in temperature. Infection may require antibiotics or, in some cases, further surgery.
• Prolonged numbness or pain: some people experience sensations such as tingling, tightness or pain that last beyond the normal recovery period. These symptoms can be mild or persistent, and in some cases may indicate nerve involvement.
• Psychological impact: the emotional effects of surgery are often underestimated. If the results do not meet expectations, or complications occur, people may experience feelings of regret, anxiety or low mood. This can be particularly difficult if the original motivation for surgery was linked to body image or self-esteem.
• Distorted earlobes (often referred to as “pixie ears”): where the earlobe appears pulled downwards or unnaturally attached to the face, usually caused by excessive tension during surgery or incorrect incision placement.
• Inappropriately positioned or excessive scarring: scarring that is more visible, extensive or differently placed than agreed prior to surgery, including scars that are uneven, poorly healed or difficult to conceal, which may indicate issues with surgical technique or post-operative care.

These risks do not occur in every case, but your surgeon should make you aware of all potential risks and complications before surgery, as well as what the expected healing process involves. This includes explaining what symptoms are considered normal during recovery, how long healing is likely to take and when something may indicate that a problem has developed.

What does the expected recovery look like?

Understanding how your recovery is likely to progress can help you feel more prepared for the weeks and months following a facelift. While everyone heals at a slightly different pace, most people experience a similar pattern as the face and neck gradually settle after surgery.

• First week: swelling, bruising and tightness around the face and neck are most noticeable. You may also experience numbness or reduced sensation, which is common in the early stages of recovery.
• Around two weeks: bruising and swelling have usually reduced to a level that is far less visible. Many people feel able to return to work and normal social activities, particularly if these do not involve physical exertion.
• Two to six weeks: the face continues to soften and settle. Tightness and numbness gradually ease, incision sites heal further and light exercise such as walking is often possible. More strenuous activity is usually reintroduced after four to six weeks, depending on recovery.
• Around three months onwards: most healing has taken place. Any remaining swelling is typically minimal, scars continue to fade and the final results of the facelift become clearer.

While some variation in recovery is normal, your healing should follow a steady pattern of improvement over time. If your symptoms worsen rather than improve, or your recovery does not progress in the way you were led to expect, this may indicate that something has gone wrong. Where problems arise because your surgeon failed to meet their duty of care – such as poor surgical technique, inadequate aftercare or a lack of appropriate follow-up – you may be entitled to pursue a facelift claim to seek redress for the harm you have suffered.

What you can do if something goes wrong

Experiencing complications after a facelift can be distressing, particularly if the outcome is not what was expected. If something feels wrong during recovery, or if results appear unusual or uncomfortable, there are steps that can be taken.

• Seek medical advice: the first priority is to consult with a medical professional. This may be the original surgeon or an independent practitioner. An early assessment can help identify complications and reduce the risk of further harm.
• Keep records: it is helpful to keep a record of symptoms, dates and any medical appointments or communications. Photographs can document visible changes over time. Copies of consent forms, treatment plans and correspondence may also be relevant, especially if there is uncertainty about what was agreed before the procedure.
• Ask for a second opinion: if there are doubts about the quality of care received, an independent medical opinion may offer clarity. A second surgeon or qualified specialist can assess whether the outcome is within the expected range for that procedure, or if corrective action may be needed.
• Allow time for healing: some irregularities or concerns may improve with time. Swelling, tightness, and temporary numbness are part of the normal healing process. However, persistent problems should not be ignored.
• Understand the emotional impact: it is common to experience emotional reactions following cosmetic surgery, especially when results do not meet expectations. Feelings of disappointment, anxiety or frustration may affect day-to-day life. Talking to a GP or mental health professional may help in processing these reactions and planning what to do next.
• Explore formal options: if complications are linked to poor surgical technique, incomplete information, or lack of proper aftercare, there may be grounds to raise a concern or take further action. This could involve making a complaint, seeking clinical review or obtaining legal advice.

Taking steps early can help reduce uncertainty and guide decisions about whether corrective treatment or further investigation is needed.

Facelift surgery can bring physical and emotional changes, but it also carries risks that are not always widely discussed. Knowing what to expect, asking detailed questions and understanding the potential outcomes all support informed decision-making.

When complications do occur, it is important not to dismiss concerns or assume that discomfort or dissatisfaction is simply part of the process. There are steps that can be taken to address unexpected results and being aware of these possibilities can help people feel more prepared both before and after surgery, and support better outcomes in the event that something does not go as planned.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.