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 Street, Suite 101,
San Francisco, CA, 94109, US
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 MS, MD
2400 Patterson Street, Suite 202, Nashville,
TN, 37203, US
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 Drive, Suite 202, Highlands,
NC, 28741, US
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 Expressway, Suite 600,
Dallas, TX, 75231, US