Your facelift may be performed in an accredited hospital, ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite.  Before surgery, talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking or if you have any health conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.  Your general health is a major factor when discussing with your doctor when you will have surgery.  Depending on the type of facelift procedure, a facelift can be performed in an outpatient surgical suite or an accredited hospital.  Make sure you discuss your options with your doctor.  Medications are administered for your comfort during the procedure. You and your plastic surgeon will have decided in advance what type of anesthesia is to be used – either intravenous sedation (twilight) or general anesthesia. For your safety during and after the operation, various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.

Recovering from Facelift Surgery

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area. A bandage may be wrapped around your face. Sometimes small tubes will be inserted beneath the skin to drain away fluid that might otherwise accumulate. There is surprisingly very little discomfort experienced after facelift surgery. However, any discomfort you may experience will be controlled with pain medication as needed.  You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, although some patients may stay overnight in a hospital or surgical facility.

The decision on when and where to perform your facelift should be discussed with a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon.