What to expect when having a face lift
A face lift procedure will generally take several hours, although all surgeons will perform the procedure in his/her own way. The incisions will begin at the temples above the hairline, continue down in front of the ear, and continue behind the ear lobe and extend to the lower scalp. If the neck is part of the procedure, a small incision will be made under the chin.
Pain and discomfort may be a part of the recovery, but can be minimized through use of pain medication. It is normal for the skin to be numb for a few weeks to a month after the operation. Elevating your head and keeping it still for a few days after the procedure will help minimize swelling. The drain tube and bandages will generally be removed in one to five days, depending on recovery progress, and stitches will be removed after five days.
After the removal of the bandages, your face may still appear bruised and puffy; however, you will look normal within a few weeks. The scalp may take longer to heal, although most patients are back to work within about ten days of the surgery. After the third week after the procedure, you will look and feel much better.
While a face lift cannot stop or even slow down the aging process, it can set back the clock by cosmetically altering and adjusting the placement of the skin on your face and neck, as well as removing excess fat and tightening the muscles underneath the skin. If a face lift is performed, it may be accompanied by a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, or other procedures.
