Facelift And Skin Necrosis

After medical complications skin tissue dies and known as skin necrosis.  The main reasons for necrosis are (1) inadequate supply of oxygen and blood to the region where the problem has occurred (2) formation of seroma (fluid build-up in the body after an operation) and hematoma (collection of blood outside the blood vessels, as a liquid in body tissues) that have neither been identified nor treated.

Related: Skin Care Tips While Traveling

Skin necrosis cannot be treated because the skin in the region gets damaged permanently beyond repair.  The earlier the onset of necrosis is detected, the higher is the possibility of treatment and prevention of further deterioration.  In several cases of the onset of necrosis after a facelift, the problem subsides without further complications, but at other times the necrosis leads to ugly scars.

Related: Skin Care Tips for Elbows

Facelift and skin necrosis

A facelift is an anti-aging cosmetic procedure during which the skin receives only one-fifth of its regular blood supply.  If the skin receives insufficient blood supply for a continuous period of time, there is a high likelihood of the occurrence of necrosis.  Most skilled health care professionals take abundant precautions to prevent such an occurrence.

Related: Skin Hypersensitivity

Related: Skin Care Tips For Legs

Other instances when a facelift can lead to necrosis are (1) when the skin operated upon is already tightly stretched over the face or (2) when the surgeon holds the skin so firmly that blood supply to the skin comes to a standstill.  Risk factors for necrosis during  facelift procedure include

• Regular smoking by the patient before surgery
• Exposure to passive smoking (Nicotine blocks blood vessels and decreases the supply of blood and oxygen to the skin)
• In infection during or after the surgery
• Formation of hematoma and seroma during the facelift surgery that remains untreated

Related: Skin Care Tips For Legs

Necrosis after surgery

After any kind of surgery, the immune system is down and prone to infection. It is at this time that good care, medication, and nutrition are essential to strengthen the immune system.  In the absence of one or more of these factors, the risk for skin necrosis is substantially increased.  The skin needs more than the usual quantity of blood supply and oxygen in order to repair affected tissues and replace the dead ones.

Related: Skin Care Tips Under Eye Puffiness

Related: Skin Care Tips Underarms

Prevalence

Two or three out of every hundred people, who opt for facelift procedures, are likely to be affected by necrosis.  However, according to studies, among patients who smoke, one in every ten is likely to be affected by necrosis! Skin loss is 20 times more prevalent among smokers, as compared to nonsmokers.  This is because nicotine, besides blocking the supply of blood and oxygen also retards the healing of skin tissue.  People with Protein C deficiency (a protein related to Vitamin K found in the blood) are also likely to be more at risk for necrosis.

Related: Skin Care Tips For Large Pores

Precautions

• People who smoke should avoid cigarettes about 20 days before and after any surgery
• Do not indulge in activities that would create stress for the skin and deprive it of sufficient oxygen and blood supply
• Inform the surgeon if you already have protein C deficiency, or if you are diabetic
• Wear loose-fitting clothes after the surgery, until the wounds are healed