Risks of a Deep Plane Facelift Explained

In this video, Mr Mrinal Supriya explains the real risks associated with deep plane facelift surgery and why choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon is the most important decision you can make.

Transcript:

One of the most common questions I am asked is about people’s fear of surgery, specifically, what are the risks involved in a deep plane facelift.

The biggest risk of having facelift surgery is having an inadequate or inappropriate procedure performed by an inexperienced or poorly trained surgeon. Before you decide to have a facelift, it is important to do your homework.

At a minimum, your chosen surgeon should be a consultant listed on the Specialist Register with the General Medical Council. They should be a Fellow of one of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and an expert in cosmetic surgery. There are national bodies that recognise qualified cosmetic surgeons, and there is also a European body called the EAFPS, which focuses specifically on facial cosmetic surgery.

Ask your surgeon if they are a cosmetic surgeon and whether they specialise exclusively in facial cosmetic procedures. You will always get the best outcome from someone who focuses on facial surgery rather than someone whose main work involves other areas, such as breast or body procedures.

Once you have done this research, meet your surgeon. Ask all the questions you have and assess whether you feel comfortable with their communication style and honesty. Look carefully at the before and after photos. They should look realistic and not overly enhanced. Most surgeons are focused on their surgical work rather than photo editing, so genuine photos will reflect that.

You should feel at ease discussing the procedure and confident in your surgeon’s responses. It is also important that you meet your actual surgeon, not just a consultant or agent from a national chain. For something as significant as a facelift, you must have direct interaction with the person performing the surgery.

In summary, a deep plane facelift performed by an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon on an appropriate patient is virtually risk-free. However, if the procedure is performed by an inexperienced or poorly trained surgeon, you are unlikely to achieve the desired outcome.

If the facelift is done incorrectly, you may not achieve lasting results, and in serious cases, there is a risk of facial nerve damage, which could result in weakness or even temporary or, very rarely, permanent paralysis in part of the face.

This is why it is absolutely essential to choose a well-qualified and experienced surgeon.
Welcome to the British Face Clinic. We understand that making decisions about cosmetic surgery can be difficult and sometimes frustrating. We invite you to give us a call so we can discuss your options and help you decide if we are the right choice for you.