Many people in the world today undergo elective surgical procedures without thinking of the dangers associated with the surgery. Generally, an ordinary surgery is meant to treat a disease that could be life threatening. On the other hand plastic surgery does not perform this crucial objective but is meant to alter the way a person looks. Like in an ordinary surgery a person is given an analysis of the risks involved before the surgery is performed. Despite this warning, many people still choose to go ahead with plastic surgery. (Alagna 52).
There are diverse elective cosmetic procedures available in the market today. One of these is face lift popularly known as rhytidectomy. A face lift is a kind of surgery that gives someone a young look. The process entails the taking away of extra physical skin. This is done by making an incision in front of the ear which is then extended to where the hair begins to grow. After the incision has been made, the skin is then separated from the underlying tissues with a blade. (Alagna 59) The underlying tissues are then firmed using stitches. Normally, a surgeon uses his experience to determine the amount of excess skin to remove. Later on, the incisions are stitched and stapled to close them.
Face lifts remove loose skin thus firming the cheeks. Though a face lift is meant to make people regain their youthful looks, it can have some serious side effects. One side effect of a face lift surgery is the failure of wounds left by the incisions to heal. This is brought about by the medical conditions of some patients. High blood pressure or failure of the blood to clot is the cause of such a side effect. People with a smoking history also have problems healing after a surgery. (Papel 1089)Though one does not usually know the after effects of a surgery, it is important for a surgeon to know of the medical history of his patients. They should then advise the patient on the dangers of performing the surgery in their condition. A patient will often then not opt out of the surgery if they are well advised. Some doctors however do not advise their patients well leading to misinformed decisions. Side effects caused by a patient’s medical history should therefore amount to malpractice by the doctor. This warrants for a lawsuit to be filed against the doctor for negligence. (Papel 1098)
The other major risk is what is commonly referred to as hematoma. This is a situation where blood collects under the skin. This situation is usually brought about by infections that occur after a surgery has been performed. A doctor does not usually have control of the healing process of a patient hence they can not be held accountable for the healing process of any particular patient after the surgery. Overall, there are many side effects of a face lift surgery but most of them vanish with time. (Papel 1110)
Like any surgery, face lift is a potentially dangerous process. A surgeon should give their patient’s enough information for them to make informed decisions. It is also important for the doctors to know the medical history of their patients well to avoid lawsuits that may arise due to neglect. Overall, face lift is a viable process for giving aging people a boost in their self esteem by restoring their youthful looks.
Works cited
Alagna, Magdalene. Dangers of cosmetic surgery, 31-64. The Rosen Publishing Group, 2002. Print.
Papel, Ira.D. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1021-1147.Thieme, 2009.Print.