Recovery
After the procedure, patients are asked to stay overnight for observation. Once they are sent home, recovery lasts a few weeks. Most patients return to work within two weeks. You may experience tightness, numbness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days to a few weeks. It is best to keep your head elevated and use a cold compress to minimize swelling. Avoid smoking for at least four weeks after surgery, avoid aspirin for one week, and avoid normal exercise for at least three weeks. It is also recommended that you avoid any hair dyeing for two months and that you are vigilant about skin care and sun protection for at least one full year after your facelift.
Scars
Facelift incisions are hidden so that they are inconspicuous. Each patient should keep his or her face and head well-protected from the sun to ensure that the scars heal well and do not darken. Scars from facelift surgery will naturally fade over time.
Pain
General anesthesia prevents the patient from feeling any pain during the procedure. Patients may experience some tightness after facelift surgery. The procedure does not usually cause pain.
Risks
Despite being a very safe and common procedure, there are occasional complications after facelift surgery. Some of these risks include bleeding, numbness, infections, difficulty healing, injury to nerves, and skin loss. However, complications are rare, and the effects are usually temporary. Complications are even less likely when patients follow instructions and quit smoking for at least six weeks before and after the procedure.
Cost
The cost of a facelift is determined by various factors including surgical fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and procedural fees. If you choose to combine your facelift with other procedures, these will also factor into the cost. A customized quote will be provided for you once you have met with the surgeon.
