What Is Recovery Like for Facelifts?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a type of surgical procedure that aims to reduce signs of aging in the face and neck. A surgeon can accomplish this by repositioning or removing skin, fat and muscle. Facelifts are highly individualized surgeries, and they’re unique to each person’s face and goals. It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to a facelift. We review everything you need to know to get started below.

How Common Are Facelifts?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, 234,374 facelift procedures were performed in 2020.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Facelifts?

Ideal candidates for facelift procedures include those who:

• Are physically healthy and don’t have medical conditions that affect their body’s ability to heal.
• Have realistic expectations about the procedure.
• Show signs of aging but still have some skin elasticity (around ages 40 to 60).
• Don’t smoke.

What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?

There are several different types of facelifts, including:

• Traditional facelifts, which involve making incisions around the ear, hairline and chin so that the underlying tissues and muscles can be tightened. Excess fat in the neck and jowls are also removed as needed.
• Superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelifts, which aim to target the lower two-thirds of your face by tightening and trimming the excess skin and fat in the cheeks, jaw and chin.
• Deep plan facelifts, which are similar to SMAS but address multiple areas of the face at the same time.
• Mid-facelifts, which treat the cheek area of the face by repositioning the fat in the cheeks and tightening the skin in that area.
• Mini-facelifts, which focus on lifting the lower face and neck area in a quicker and less invasive way.
• Cutaneous facelifts, which focus on the neck and lower face and usually involve the skin only.

What Is Recovery Like for Facelifts?

After your facelift, you’ll experience bruising and swelling for two to three weeks. Even if you don’t feel ready to go out to The Love during this time, you should feel fine within the first several days after surgery.

You’ll also get your bandages off within a few days of surgery. You’ll see your surgeon several times during the recovery period to ensure you’re healing well and to get any stitches removed.

Full recovery time varies based on the person.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call today.