Facelifts - Frequently Asked Questions

Newport Beach - Orange County, California

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

You could be a good candidate for a facelift if:

  • Your face or neck has begun to sag, but your skin still has some elasticity
  • You have a good bone structure
  • If you have appropriate expectations

Many people in their 40s and 50s get successful facelifts, and they can even be done if you’re in your 70s or 80s, subject to the above conditions.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

Your cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Hendricks, will give you directions for what foods/medications to avoid. If you’re a smoker, stop a couple of weeks before your surgery because smoking is detrimental to circulation and you’ll need to have good blood flow to heal properly.

Think ahead to the recovery period:

  • Arrange for a ride home
  • Stock up on groceries, gas, cash and prescriptions
  • Rent some good movies
  • Borrow some good library books

The recovery period varies for a facelift, but prepare yourself for a week at home afterwards, or maybe two.

How long does a facelift take?

That depends on how many procedures will be included in your facelift. The term “facelift” has a specific meaning that refers only to the neck and jaw area, where the loose skin is lifted and tightened. But it’s also used more loosely to include any combination of procedures such as:

Usually the whole surgery will take 2 or 3 hours. If there are many procedures to be included, the facelift might be done in two sessions.

Will I have stitches?

Yes. Your surgeon will give you directions on what to do about them. They might dissolve by themselves, or they might have to be taken out. Stitches in front of the ears would usually be removed after about 5 days and those behind the ears after 10 days or 2 weeks.

When can I get back to normal activities?

You can be up in a day or so after the facelift, but take things easy for at least a week. Dr. Hendricks will give you guidelines to follow and will probably recommend that you:

  • Avoid any vigorous activity for a couple of weeks
  • Avoid drinking any alcohol
  • Get lots of rest, so your body can use its energy for healing

At first you’ll have some swelling and stiffness, and the bruising may fade only after several weeks. You might get tired more easily than usual. It’s a time to be patient with yourself. Read the answer to question #2 above.

Most people get back to work after a couple of weeks.

Are facelifts permanent?

They’re long-lasting, perhaps 10 years or so, but not permanent. We’re all subject to the force of gravity pulling on our flesh to make it sag and form wrinkles. But a facelift turns back the clock, so to speak, by undoing some of the effects gravity (and sunshine, tobacco, alcohol etc.) have already wrought on our faces.

A facelift may be a good option for you. Contact Dr. Hendricks today for your confidential consultation. He’ll answer your questions and together you can determine what is the best course of action for you.

View facelift before & after photos