All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. When a Facelift is performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable. Conditions such as high blood pressure, bleeding disorders and smoking increase the chances of complications and therefore will be discussed in greater detail at the consultation. Complications that can occur with a facelift include a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be drained by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary and less than 1% chance), infection (less than 1%), delayed wound healing, skin lumpiness, necrosis (skin loss), occasional hair loss in the temple region along the scar or distortion (usually temporary). Risks such as leg and lung blood clots are rare. Early mobilisation by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible reduces this considerably. Mr. Solomos regularly deploys anti-clotting measures such as special stockings (TEDS) and compression devices (Flowtron) during surgery to minimise this. You can reduce your risks by closely following Mr. Solomos’s advice both before and after surgery.