Question:
I am ready to schedule my facelift surgery and I am really excited. I am male, 48 years old, a smoker and have pharmaceutically untreated high blood pressure. I have been making lifestyle changes to decrease my blood pressure naturally. Does my medical condition predispose me for any complications from this surgery?
Answer:
Both smoking and high blood pressure predispose you to a higher complication rate during and after surgery. Smoking causes reduced blood flow to tissues and is associated with a higher risk of skin necrosis (skin sloughing). High blood pressure puts you at an increased risk of bleeding after surgery which can lead to a collection of blood under the skin known as a hematoma. You should definitely discuss this with your surgeon prior to surgery.