Facelift Basics - Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding whether or not to get a facelift is a decision that should be made carefully and with great thought. By finding out basic information about the procedure, you will be able to determine if it is the right choice for you.

What is a facelift?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions. The term, “facelift”, refers to the surgical process of improving many of the most obvious signs of aging. Excess fat is removed, excess skin is removed, and the muscles under the skin are tightened to help give your face a younger look.

How long does a facelift last?

A facelift gives you a younger look, so of course in ten years, you will look younger than you would have without the facelift. Most people only choose to have one facelift procedure done over the course of their life, but others choose to have another after seven to ten years to help keep their face looking as young as possible.

Will you have scars after a facelift?

Most scars that you get from a facelift procedure will fade away and not be hardly noticeable. Younger patients may be able to have the surgery endoscopically, which will leave very small scars. Some of the procedures that can be done endoscopically include elevating the cheek and jowls, lifting the eyebrows, tightening the neck, and removing frown lines.

Will I be in a great deal of pain?

Although you may not think so, you will actually have very little discomfort after a facelift. The most common complaint that patients have is the pulling sensation and tightness that occurs due to swelling. There will be some pain, of course, simply because it is a surgical procedure, but it goes away fairly quickly in the recovery process.

When can I go back to work?

Most patients who have a facelift procedure can go back to work within two to three weeks. You may want to wait as long as eight weeks, however, if you are attending a major social function to ensure that you will be healed as much as possible.

Now that the basic questions have been answered, you will be better able to determine if a facelift is the right choice for you.