How Long Does a Facelift Take?

The actual procedure of a facelift can take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on several factors, including the amount of work being done, possible scar tissue, and underlying medical problems. 

The recovery process from a facelift can be slow. Swelling and bruising will be bad for the first two days but can last longer in some situations. The sutures will need to be removed five to ten days after the surgery, and recovery takes about two weeks. However, you should wait approximately four weeks before you begin any strenuous exercise or activity. 

During recovery from plastic surgery, follow the plastic surgeon’s instructions regarding your stitches and your bandages, making sure that the bandages are changed on the proper schedule. Your doctor will also give you instructions on how to bathe and wash without getting the sutures wet. 

You will experience numbness during recovery. This is completely normal and should go away relatively quickly. Muscle stiffness is also common.

Most of the scars from the suture sights will be very small and well-hidden because of the small incisions, but it may take up to a year for the scar to fade and disappear.

During the recovery process, make sure that you limit smoking and alcohol, as well as sun exposure. 

You will soon find that your facelift results are well worth it!

How long do you stay in the hospital after a facelift?

Most patients do not require any stay in the hospital for a facelift, as it is an outpatient procedure. Some patients, however, will spend 24 hours at a post-operative care facility where registered nurses will tend to them, provide medication, take care of draining fluid, and change dressings. 

How long does the tightness last after a facelift?

The point of a facelift is to tighten the skin so you should expect that there will be tightness. It shouldn’t be anything more than a mild nuisance, and it will go away within two to three months as your face recovers. 

How painful is a facelift?

The facelift itself is very painless, as the incisions are quite small, especially with a mini facelift. Most of the pain from a facelift will be residual from the bruising and swelling which, again, only last a few days. 

You may find the bandages uncomfortable, particularly the bandages that go underneath the chin. But these are going to be removed early after your surgery, within a day or two, and the discomfort should diminish. 

Ready to look your best? Schedule a deep plane facelift.