Risks
A facelift is a non-medical surgical procedure. However, like any other operation, facelifts have some serious risks. For this reason, the performance of this type of wrinkle treatment should be thoroughly thought through.
Among the most relevant risks that can occur in connection with a facelift surgery are wound infections. Due to the extensive incision, germs may enter the wound under certain circumstances and lead to pronounced infections. In most cases, however, these infections can be easily controlled by the administration of suitable antibiotics.
Furthermore, in the course of the facelift, numbness and severe swelling can occur. These symptoms can be caused primarily by the surgical incisions and the mobilization of the skin areas and the resulting injury to the smallest nerve branches. In most cases, the impaired nerve fibers regenerate within a few weeks to months after the operation and thus the sensitive perception returns.In addition, bruises after a facelift are a common risk.
Both the swelling that occurs and possible bruising (haematomas) usually disappear completely within a few days after the surgical procedure. A further risk of a facelift is the development of wound healing disorders. The formation of unsightly scar tissue is also possible in the course of an extensive facelift.
Since nicotine and alcohol have a negative effect on the regenerative ability of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, consumption should be discontinued a few weeks before the operation. If this is not observed, the probability of these risks occurring increases significantly. In addition, the fading of bruises and the reduction of swelling can be delayed by the influence of nicotine and/or alcohol.
The most feared risks associated with a facelift include paralysis and impairment of normal facial expressions. However, such phenomena are usually caused by a faulty surgical technique. In a regular, problem-free facelift, no large areas of the face should normally be paralyzed.
The facial expression should also not be negatively affected under normal circumstances. Furthermore, it should be noted that a surgical facelift is usually performed under general anesthesia. People who decide to undergo plastic surgery under general anesthesia should be aware that this method is relatively safe but not completely free of risks.
For this reason, plastic surgery without medical indication should not be performed on people suffering from heart or lung diseases. One of the most common side effects of general anesthesia during a facelift is the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. In addition, the trachea can be damaged by the insertion of the respiratory tube (tube).
As a result, symptoms such as coughing, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing can occur. Furthermore, functional disorders of the cardiovascular system are among the most feared risks of a facelift under general anesthesia. Patients who decide to have a facelift should be aware that it is a plastic-aesthetic operation.
This means that the costs incurred during a facelift are not covered by either private or public health insurance. Patients must pay for all costs themselves. The exact costs of a facelift depend on the chosen treatment method on the one hand and the extent of the corrective measures on the other.
Prices can also vary greatly from doctor to doctor and even within different cities. Often, there are very good plastic surgeons, especially in smaller cities, who offer a facelift comparatively cheaply. In a consultation, the patient should explain to the doctor in charge as precisely as possible what improvements to the facial features are desired.
Only then can the treating surgeon decide which treatment measures should be taken and are best suited to the individual case. The costs for a facelift in Germany are between 4000 and 9000 Euros. This price usually includes the cost of booking an operating room and the cost of general anesthesia.
Also, the usual follow-up treatment measures are usually covered by the operation costs. After an extensive facelift has been performed, the patient must expect to stay in the clinic for at least one day. During this time, vital signs (i.e. pulse, blood pressure and respiration) of the patient can be monitored.
In addition, during the stay at the clinic it can be observed whether there is any bleeding in the area of the surgical incisions. Should problems occur, caused by the anesthesia or the actual operation, fast and targeted action can be taken. Many plastic surgeons also charge about 50 euros for the extensive consultation before the facelift.
Since the costs of a facelift can be very high under certain circumstances, most plastic surgeons have been working with financing institutions for some time. As a result, aesthetic surgery no longer remains an option for people with particularly high incomes.An alternative to performing a facelift within Germany is surgery abroad. The costs of a facelift abroad are usually far below the sums required in Germany.
In the past, such operations abroad were considered to be extremely risky, as foreign doctors were often said to be less competent. In addition, it was long assumed that hygiene measures abroad also deviated greatly from German standards. In most cases, however, these prejudices cannot be confirmed.
Especially in Poland and Turkey, very well trained, capable specialists offer facelifts at significantly lower prices. In addition, before performing a plastic-aesthetic operation, it should be considered that possible complications can cause further costs. Neither statutory nor private health insurance companies are obliged to reimburse treatment measures that become necessary as a result of plastic surgery. Patients who decide to have a facelift should take out additional insurance for this reason. The average cost of such insurance is about 80 Euros.