From the Research
Potential complications of a Jacono facelift include hematoma, infection, nerve injury, skin necrosis, scarring, asymmetry, and anesthesia risks, with hematoma being the most common complication, occurring in up to 6.5% of cases, as reported in a study published in 2014 1.
Complications and Management
- Hematomas typically occur within 24 hours post-surgery and require prompt surgical evacuation, with measures such as prophylactic management of pain, nausea, and hypertension, the use of fibrin glue tissue sealants, and strict blood pressure control of at least <140 mmHg found to significantly reduce hematoma formation, as shown in a study published in 2024 2.
- Infections are managed with antibiotics such as cephalexin 500mg four times daily for 7-10 days, with preoperative risk factors and complication rates analyzed in a large, prospective, multi-center database study published in 2016 3.
- Temporary nerve injuries affecting facial movement or sensation usually resolve within 3-6 months, though permanent damage is rare, and skin necrosis risk is minimized through proper surgical technique and managed with wound care protocols including silver sulfadiazine cream applications twice daily.
- Visible scarring is addressed with silicone sheets or gels applied daily for 2-3 months, while steroid injections (triamcinolone 10-40mg/ml) may be used for hypertrophic scars, and asymmetry might require revision surgery after complete healing.
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Male gender, history of hypertension, preoperative systolic blood pressure greater than 160 mmHg, and operating room peak systolic blood pressure greater than 165 mmHg are predictive factors for hematoma, as identified in a study published in 2014 1.
- Combined procedures, BMI ≥ 25, and type of facility are independent predictors of infection and hematoma, as reported in a study published in 2016 3.
- Smoking cessation at least four weeks before and after surgery is crucial to reduce complication risks, and patients should report severe pain, excessive swelling, fever, or drainage immediately, as early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Recommendations
- To minimize hematoma risk, it is recommended to implement measures such as prophylactic management of pain, nausea, and hypertension, the use of fibrin glue tissue sealants, and strict blood pressure control of at least <140 mmHg, as supported by the most recent evidence published in 2024 2.