Experiencing discomfort after a facelift is standard, but the pain level varies from person to person. Many patients report that the pain is manageable and often more like a sensation of tightness or soreness rather than intense pain. Surgeons typically prescribe pain medication to help ease any discomfort you might feel in the days following the procedure.

After deciding to undergo a facelift, you’ll typically have a few key appointments lined up. First, there’s the initial consultation, where you’ll discuss your goals and medical history and get a sense of what the procedure will involve.

After your surgery, you’ll have at least one follow-up appointment to check on your healing and remove any stitches if needed. Most patients have a couple more follow-ups over a year post-op to monitor progress and ensure everything is healing correctly.

You’ll start noticing some changes in your appearance reasonably soon after a facelift, typically within a few weeks. Swelling and bruising might take some time to settle down, but as that clears up, you’ll begin to see the refreshed look you hoped for.

Most incisions are made along the hairline, around the ears, or under the chin, where they’re easily hidden.

Following Dr. Motykie’s aftercare instructions can also help reduce scarring.

Returning to exercise after a facelift is about listening to your body and following your surgeon’s advice. Generally, you can start light activities, like walking, a few days after surgery. However, more strenuous workouts like running or heavy lifting wait until around the four to six weeks mark.

During the early recovery phase, it is crucial to avoid intense exercise that could strain your stitches or increase swelling.

Absolutely! It’s common to pair a facelift with treatments like upper and lower eyelid surgery or brow lifts for a more youthful appearance. Some also opt for neck lifts, fillers, or skin rejuvenation treatments to address multiple areas in one go.

While facelifts can yield fantastic results, they come with some risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. You might also experience temporary swelling or bruising, which is normal.

Sometimes, people may notice uneven results or changes in sensation, like numbness or tightness in the skin, but these effects usually fade as you heal.

Start by doing some research online. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in facelifts. Then, check out their websites to see before-and-after photos and read some reviews.

You can also ask your friends, family, or primary care physician for recommendations.

Then, make a list and schedule some consultations with a few surgeons. This will give you the chance to ask questions and discuss your goals. From there, pick who you feel will give you your desired look.