• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Facelift

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Rhytidectomy; Cosmetic surgery of the face

Expectations after surgery:

Most patients are pleased with the results.

A small, thin drainage tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind the ear to drain any blood that might collect there. The head is wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling . Usually there is not much discomfort after surgery and pain medication can relieve it. Some numbness of the skin is normal and will disappear in a few weeks or months.

The head will be elevated on two pillows (or at a 30 degree angle) for a couple of days after surgery to keep the swelling down. The drainage tube will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery if one was inserted. Bandages are usually removed after 1 to 5 days. The face will look pale , bruised, and puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will be looking normal.

Most of the stitches will be removed in 5 days. The stitches or metal clips in the hairline could be left in a few days longer if the scalp takes longer to heal.

Convalescence:

The patient should expect swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, tenderness, and numbness for 10 to 14 days. Most of the surgical scars are hidden in the hairline or the natural lines of the face and will fade over months. Sun exposure should be limited.

• Review Date: 11/10/2005
• Reviewed By: Edward W. Chang, MD, DDS, Director of Facial Plastics Surgery Education, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Columbia University-College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.