Questions About Facelift Surgery

How long will my facelift last?

Patients often ask how long a facelift will last. Only general guidelines can be given because each patient is different in terms of skin thickness, laxity, sun damage, muscle tone, amount of fat, and rate of aging. The aging process continues with or without a facelift. We may be able to turn back the clock, but it still continues to march forward. However, if you appear to be 8 10 years younger after surgery, this difference should persist the rest of your life. For example, if after surgery, you appear to be about 50 instead of 58 years old, then at age 68 you should expect to appear to be about 60. In time, you may need a second procedure to maintain the best appearance.

What is the best age to have a facelift?

The average age for the first time facelift patient is 45 - 65 years. However, patients are undergoing facelifts at younger ages. Many experts believe that the younger the patient at the initial time of surgery, the better the long-term results. On the other hand, assuming good health, even patients in their 70's and 80's are candidates for facial rejuvenation procedures.

Will there be scars?

Patients sometimes assume that plastic surgery is done without any scarring whatsoever. Any incision (cut in the skin) will leave a permanent scar. In cosmetic surgery, proper placement of incisions and special suturing techniques, should keep residual scars as inconspicuous as possible. Very rarely, there can be excessive scarring (hypertrophic scarring) that needs additional treatment.

Is there a chance that I will need to have the facelift redone?

25% to 30% of facelift patients do have secondary procedures done about 5 to 10 years later. These may range from a second complete facelift to minor touch up procedures such as temporal lifts, eyelid tucks, neck lifts, or chemical peels. There is no absolute limit to the number of rejuvenation operations that can be done, but it is unusual for a patient to have more than 3 procedures in a lifetime.

Is the operation painful?

The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation. There is mild discomfort associated with injection of the local anesthetic, however you will be sedated during that time. There should be minimal or no pain associated with the operation itself. We have never had a patient we have not been able to comfortably complete.

How long does the operation take?

A facelift usually takes 2-3 hours. If other procedures are being done at the same time, additional time will be required. For instance, an upper and/or lower eyelid tuck will add about 1 1½ hours and a brow (forehead) lift may add 1 – 1½ hours.

Will there be any swelling or bruising?

There is always bruising and swelling. This will range from very little to quite a lot often depending on how diligent you are at staying elevated, quiet, and icing. Also, some people tend to bruise and swell more easily. Past experiences with injuries should clue you as to how you might respond. Normally, most of the swelling and bruising are gone within 2 weeks, but it can persist beyond this time.

When can I wear makeup?

Makeup can be applied to the skin 10 - 14 days after surgery. However, care should be taken not to rub or stretch the skin as it is applied especially in the area of the incisions. The doctor or his assistant will tell you when you can wear makeup as well as wash and dry your hair.

When can I return to normal activities?

You should physically be able to resume very light activity within 3-4 days and normal activity after 2-3 weeks. You will most likely appear "normal", without noticeable swelling or bruising, in 2 4 weeks. Exercise that results in an elevated blood pressure, an increased heart rate, or any sweating is not recommended for 3 weeks. You may take short, slow walks after the first 2 weeks, but other, more strenuous exercise is not recommended. Allow yourself plenty of rest and recuperation time for the best long-term results.

Please contact us if you have more questions about facelift surgery in Sacramento. Our office is located less than 20 minutes east of Sacramento, so it is also convenient for residents of Roseville. Please give us a call at 916-564-8888 or email us with the online contact form to set up a consultation.