The Lancaster General Health Experience
What to expect before, during and after facelift surgery
Your goals and facial structure help determine the methods your plastic surgeon will use during your facelift. Often, but not always, patients combine a facelift with an eyelid lift, brow lift or aesthetic facial procedures. Your consultation with your cosmetic surgeon will help you determine the best options for you.
Your facelift surgery may be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on your unique needs. Your surgeon carefully makes carefully placed incisions to help hide any scars that may result from the procedure. Incisions typically begin above the hairline near the temples, extend to the folds in front of the ears, continuing into the hairline behind the ears. From there, your surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below, trimming or suctioning fat to improve your facial contours.
Before surgery, your care team will provide instructions on how to prepare for your facelift, including any foods, drinks and medications to avoid. Your care team also will share after-care instructions to help hasten your recovery.
After surgery, you will wear bandages to manage any swelling and bruising, and your care team will advise you to sleep with your head elevated. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort. Recovery times vary greatly. We will offer advice on when you can resume daily living activities.
Most patients begin walking and doing light household activities within a week, returning to work and other normal routines after two weeks. Because the healing process takes time, your appearance will continue to change over weeks or even months. Eventually, your renewed and refreshed face emerges, giving you a new sense of confidence.
Facelift cost
The cost of a facelift varies depending on your specific treatment goals and other services you may also undergo. We will discuss the cost of your facelift during your consultation.
Facelift risks
As with any surgery, facelifts have the potential of complications such as infection. You can help prevent complications by following your pre- and post-surgery instructions. Risks specific to facelifts include:
- Hematoma—a swelling that contains blood
- Nerve injuries—results in numbness and tingling, especially near the incision sites; typically improves over time
- Scarring—generally faint and hidden above the hairline and in other inconspicuous spots
Your surgeon will discuss any risks before your facelift surgery. Know that we put your safety and comfort above all else, and are available throughout your recovery to answer your questions and concerns.
Contact Us
Is a facelift right for your transformation? Contact us by calling us at 717-291-5863.