Facelifts - Frequently Asked Questions

Orange County, California

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

You could be a good candidate if:

  • Your face has begun to sag, or your neck, 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?

Arrange for a ride home afterwards.

Your cosmetic surgeon 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:

  • 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, it 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. Your plastic surgeon 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.

Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center
Douglas Hendricks, MD, FACS
280 Newport Center Drive, Suite 120
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Email Us or call us at 949.640.9570 to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hendricks.

Newport Beach plastic surgeon Douglas L. Hendricks, MD, FACS. Centrally located to provide cosmetic surgery for patients in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine and all of Orange County.

Orange County Facelift - Image of Model

Patient Comments

A thousand thank-yous would not be enough to thank you for all your kindness and support.

Katie B