What Happens During a Facelift Procedure?

Did you know that, after the age of 20, the average individual produces 1% less collagen in the skin every year?

Collagen is an essential protein that makes up our bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. It’s the loss of collagen year after year that causes our skin to wrinkle and lose elasticity.

A facelift procedure can reverse that effect. But this isn’t a procedure to take lightly. It involves general anesthesia, significant changes to the structure of your face, and a lengthy recovery period.

We’re telling you what to expect from your facelift procedure in this quick guide.

1. Preparation for a Facelift Procedure

Before going into the procedure, you’ll speak to a nurse. The nurse will examine you and your paperwork before clearing you for your procedure. Feel free to ask them any last-minute questions you may have.

Following your examination, you’ll be introduced to an anesthesiologist. Keep in mind that a facelift procedure can last anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, and you’ll require general anesthesia or another type of sedation to remain comfortable. You should speak with your doctor prior to your procedure to determine what anesthesia is right for you.

2. The Facelift Procedure

Before beginning your facelift surgery by Dr. Paul Leong, your face will be marked with a skin-safe marker. These marks will act as guidelines throughout the procedure.

The doctor will then make incisions near the hairline. If you’re getting a traditional, full facelift, that incision will go from the hairline to the template and around the ears toward the lower part of the scalp.

The skin is then lifted from muscle and connective tissue. From there, your skin is repositioned. Your surgeon will trim any excess skin and they might remove or reposition excess fat as well.

When your doctor is satisfied, they’ll close the incisions with dissolvable sutures or skin glue. You’ll then be moved into the recovery room where you’ll be monitored for a period of time.

3. Facelift Procedure Recovery

Immediately after your facelift procedure and in the following few days, you’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and soreness. You might also notice a tightness or a feeling that your skin is being pulled. These side effects are short-term and will subside within the first week.

After that, the length and extent of recovery depends on the type of facelift procedure you had as well as your own overall health. Age can also be a factor in recovery timelines. However, in most cases, patients can return to their daily activities within 2 weeks and strenuous exercise within 4.

More on Your Body & Health

A facelift procedure can significantly improve the tightness and elasticity of your facial skin. It can help with wrinkle reduction, sagging jowl, and more. But this type of procedure requires invasive surgery and should be carefully considered before booking an appointment.

For more on your body and health, be sure to check out our Health section.