Face-lift surgery and recovery

• An incision is made at the hairline at the temples and extends in a natural line in front of the ear; the incision continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp.
• Skin is separated from underlying fat and muscle; muscle and tissue are tightened.
• Skin is redraped and excess skin is removed.
• Stitches are added to secure the incisions, and metal clips may be used on the scalp.
• A small, thin tube may be placed under the skin and behind the ear for drainage.
• Your head may be loosely wrapped in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

Discomfort will be relieved by medication prescribed by your surgeon. Report severe or persistent pain immediately. Any numbness will disappear in a few weeks or months. Keep your head elevated and as still as possible to keep swelling down. If a drainage tube is inserted, it will be removed in one day to two days. Bandages are removed within one day to five days.

Take it easy for one week to two weeks after surgery. Be careful when touching your skin and scalp because they will be tender and numb. Your surgeon will give you instructions on getting back to your normal routine. Get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal.

Within three weeks, you will notice a big difference. Most patients return to work within two weeks. If you need special makeup to hide bruising, ask your surgeon.

Face-lift scars usually are hidden from view. They will fade in time and barely be visible. Effects last for a long time, but skin continues to age with time and gravity. You may want to repeat the face-lift at a future date.