Face Facelift Complications

Because your face is a cornerstone of your identity, it’s vital to understand the potential risks involved with a facelift and be sure your surgeon has taken every precaution to protect you. Below, we’ve outlined the most common complications—and how board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rady Rahban works diligently to prevent them.

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Before and after patient results

Before and after patient results

Before and after patient results

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Most people had no idea I had a facelift, but commented on how rested I looked. However, looking at the photos Dr. Rahban takes at every visit, the transformation is astounding. I truly could not be happier.

Deb L.

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Meticulous Craftsmanship Meets Modern Aesthetics

A master of revision procedures, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Rahban is known for his conscientious approach, conservative technique, and honest communication. With extensive training from the University of Southern California and years of hands-on experience correcting challenging cases, he upholds the highest patient safety standards, artistry, and ethical practice.

How Dr. Rahban Ensures Safe, Natural-Looking Facelift Results

Unsatisfactory Results

Why It Happens

When a facelift is performed poorly, patients may emerge with a stretched or “windswept” look—or an outcome that leaves lingering signs of aging, like heavy jowls or a sagging neck.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Personalized Planning: During your in-depth consultation, Dr. Rahban devotes ample time to understanding the face you envision and the results you hope to achieve.
Cautious Technique: He removes precisely the right amount of tissue while tightening the underlying muscles, ensuring your face looks naturally more youthful, never overdone.
Complete Honesty: If your goals aren’t realistic, Dr. Rahban will explain your anatomy's limitations and suggest the best path forward.

Facelift Scars

Why It Happens

Every facelift involves incisions, but they shouldn’t be obvious or unsightly. Common causes of poor scarring include removing too much skin and creating excessive tension, which can pull on facial structures and lead to issues like a “pixie ear” deformity.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Precise Incisions: He personally closes every incision, strategically placing each within your hairline or natural facial contours to conceal scars.
Thorough Closure: Because closure is as essential as the procedure, Dr. Rahban never delegates it. His care and attention reduce tension and help ensure thin, flat scars that heal discreetly.

Facial Nerve Injury

Why It Happens

The delicate facial nerve controls muscle movement in the face, impacting expressions, chewing, and speaking. Injury to this nerve can compromise natural facial movements.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Expert Mapping: Dr. Rahban is always acutely aware of the nerve’s location. His conservative and careful technique preserves the nerve while reshaping your facial contours.
No “Quick” Surgeries: He devotes as much time as needed to ensure an accurate, safe procedure, avoiding rushed approaches that increase the risk of nerve damage.

Hair Loss at the Incision Site

Why It Happens

Although uncommon, hair loss can occur near the incision lines, potentially altering your hairline’s position.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Protective Incisions: By beveling incisions away from hair follicles and minimizing the use of electro-cautery near them, Dr. Rahban helps ensure healthy regrowth.
Light Closure Tension: He reduces tension around the incision and ensures adequate blood flow to the follicles, preserving your natural hairline.

Skin Irregularities

Why It Happens

Excessive skin removal or incorrect skin redraping can lead to depressions, wrinkling, or the classic “pulled” appearance. These flaws may require revision surgery.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Exceptional Surgical Skill: Dr. Rahban draws on his deep understanding of facial geometry to remove just the right amount of tissue and place it in the correct orientation.
Focus on Balance: His goal is a smooth, refreshed look that complements your natural features rather than distorting them.

Infection

Why It Happens

Postoperative infections, while rare, can cause redness, warmth, and swelling. They require prompt intervention to prevent more serious complications.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Comprehensive Antibiotics: He administers antibiotics before, during, and after your facelift and provides detailed aftercare instructions to keep the surgical area clean.
Antibacterial Prep: A powerful antibacterial scrub is used on your face before surgery, further reducing infection risks.

Bleeding

Why It Happens

Some bleeding is normal after surgery, but uncontrolled bleeding can create a hematoma—a buildup of blood under the skin that can require urgent treatment.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Detailed Preoperative Guidance: He’ll review all medications, supplements, and anti-inflammatories you may need to stop prior to surgery to reduce bleeding risks.
Heightened Vigilance: Dr. Rahban meticulously seals blood vessels before closing your incisions. Drainage tubes placed for 24-48 hours also help remove residual blood.

Necrosis (Skin Death)

Why It Happens

The skin flaps can lose viability if they don’t receive enough blood supply. Overly aggressive techniques, smoking, or pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease can amplify these risks.

How Dr. Rahban Prevents It

Careful Dissection: Instead of aggressively lifting the skin, he methodically preserves the blood supply.
Health First: Patients must address any underlying conditions and stop smoking well before surgery. Protecting your overall health is key to a smooth recovery.

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Reducing Risks

While every facelift carries some inherent risks, there are actionable steps you can take to help ensure a safe experience and an optimal outcome. Here’s what you can do:

Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon: Verify your surgeon’s credentials with the American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure they have the training and expertise to perform your facelift with precision and care.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Smoking or vaping and maintaining an unhealthy diet can all increase your risk for complications like skin necrosis and poor healing. If you smoke, it’s essential to stop well before and after your procedure.
Follow Preoperative Guidelines: Adhering to Dr. Rahban’s recommendations—such as discontinuing certain supplements, pain relievers, or blood thinners—can significantly reduce the risk of excessive bleeding or bruising.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments: Ongoing checkups allow Dr. Rahban to identify and address potential issues early, helping you heal more comfortably and detect problems before they escalate.
Plan for Proper Recovery: Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you during your initial recovery. Taking enough time off work and strenuous activities ensures you don’t strain your incisions or compromise your results.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Rahban emphasizes a thorough, honest, and educational consultation when meeting with prospective patients. He will learn precisely what you’d like to achieve, evaluate whether it’s achievable, and advise you on the best ways to reach your goals. If you’d like to explore how a facelift—or any cosmetic procedure—can help you look and feel your best, we invite you to schedule an appointment and discover why Dr. Rahban is one of the most trusted plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills.

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When Dr. Rahban does a consultation with a prospective patient, he wants it to be two things above all others: thorough and honest. He will find out from you just what you want from cosmetic surgery. And he will tell you honestly if you can get the result you want, and how he can best help you do so.

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