Infection
Uncommon after facelifts, and usually treatable.
How common is it?
The face has an excellent blood supply, so infection after a facelift is uncommon. When it occurs it is usually minor and responds to antibiotics; rarely, a collection needs drainage.
Signs and management
Watch for spreading redness, increasing pain, warmth, fever or discharge, typically several days after surgery, and report them promptly. Surgeons reduce risk with sterile technique, sometimes antibiotics around surgery, and clear aftercare instructions.