Is it standard procedure to use drains for a facelift?
Is it standard procedure to use drains for a facelift? I have had three consultations - one surgeon uses drains, one doesn't, and one uses glue. Please advise.
I always use drains in facelifts. There are many excellent surgeons who do not do this. The risk of a drain is minimal and the benefits are substantial. In my practice, I ALWAYS use drains because it decreases the swelling, it decreases the bruising, and it allows for the tissues to heal together without any fluid accumulation. I remove these the morning after surgery and it is painless. I have never been sorry I have used a drain. I have been sorry when I did not.
James J. Romano, MD, FACS
1650 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA,
UNITED STATES, 94109
It is very common to use drains when performing a facelift. I personally always use them as do most of the other plastic surgeons that I know. However, it is not a requirement that they be used and I know of some plastic surgeons who do not use them, especially when they are using tissue glue under the flaps. The specific method used will be the one that the particular surgeon has used successfully in the past and is comfortable with.
Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS
2400 Patterson St, #202, Nashville, TN,
UNITED STATES, 37203
There are several options. They are a matter of preference. Some surgeons use tissue glue to achieve tissue adherence and prevent hematomas. I prefer drains as they tend to do the same thing that the tissue glue does but also reduces the post operative swelling.
Robert T. Buchanan, MD
209 Hospital Dr, #202, Highlands, NC,
UNITED STATES, 28741
Standard Use of Drains - It is very common and normal to use drains for a Facelift. I use them for at least two days post op as it minimizes the bruising and swelling.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD, FACS
9101 N Central Expy, #600, Dallas, TX,
UNITED STATES, 75231