Do I need to wear a large, heavy, compression dressing after my facelift?

A common question asked during consultation for facelift surgery is what the post-operative dressings will look and feel like. Many express a concern about being required to wear large, heavy compression dressings for days after surgery. They ask if this will be required after the extended deep plane facelift.

The short answer is no, for the following reasons:

1. Compression dressings have historically been used to prevent or reduce the risk of blood accumulating under the skin after surgery, called a hematoma. Unfortunately, there is no evidence compression dressings significantly reduce the risk of hematoma formation. Instead, the use of a special local anesthesia mixture, blood pressure control during and after surgery, and meticulous surgical technique to minimize the transection of blood vessels are the best ways to minimize the risk of hematoma formation (1), (2), (3), (4).

2. Tight compressive dressings can reduce blood flow to the skin, which can harm wound healing.

Dr. Harmon avoids tight compressive dressings after surgery for the same reason he strongly advises against icing the face or neck after the extended deep plane facelift. Like compressive dressings, cooling of the skin after surgery can reduce blood flow to the skin, thereby harming wound healing.

The dressing Dr. Harmon places over patients after facelift surgery is soft and VERY loosely fitted. It is generally removed the day following surgery. After removal, he places an ACE wrap around the head. This ACE wrap functions to protect the incisions and provide support to the neck while it heals. The ACE wrap is generally worn day and night for 7 days then nightly only for an additional 7 days. The above protocol maximizes comfort patients while minimizing risks to patients.

References:

1. Kleinberger AJ, Spiegel JH. What is the best method for minimizing the risk of hematoma formation after rhytidectomy? Laryngoscope. 2015 Mar;125(3):534-6.
2. Schroeder RJ 2nd, Langsdon PR. Effect of Local Tranexamic Acid on Hemostasis in Rhytidectomy. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2020 May/Jun;22(3):195-199.
3. Couto RA, Charafeddine A, Sinclair NR, Nayak LM, Zins JE. Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid With Local Anesthetic Reduces Intraoperative Facelift Bleeding: A Preliminary Report. Aesthet Surg J. 2020 May 16;40(6):587-593.
4. Kochuba AL, Coombs DM, Kwiecien GJ, Sinclair NR, Zins JE. Prospective Study Assessing the Effect of Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid on Facelift Bleeding. Aesthet Surg J. 2021 Mar 12;41(4):391-397.

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is important to seek a double board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.

Why Choose Dr. Harmon

• The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good.
• Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
• Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected.
• Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology.
• Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
• Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati.
• Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City.

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Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us today to learn more!

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