Facelifts: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Facelifts?
A plastic surgeon, a doctor who does surgery to change how the face looks, performs a facelift. A facelift improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, is surgery for the signs of aging in the face and neck. The skin of the face can relax and sag, and jowls can develop in the cheeks and jaw. Loose skin and extra fat in the neck can look like a double chin or a turkey neck. The fold lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth can deepen. Facial contours can change from thinning skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, smoking, and stress.
Why a doctor might recommend it
People choose a facelift when they are unhappy with the signs of aging on their face but are otherwise healthy. Fixing damage to skin, fat, and muscles can bring back a younger, more refreshed, and less tired look. A facelift does not change your basic appearance, and it cannot stop the aging process. Other treatments are sometimes added, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery. Fat transfer or fillers may be suggested to replace lost fat.
How to prepare
Before a facelift, you may be asked to do the following.
- Get lab tests or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medicines or change your current ones
- Apply certain products to your facial skin before surgery
- Stop smoking
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding and bruising
Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery. This person should stay with you the first night. Tell your surgeon if you are or could be pregnant.
What happens during it
A facelift may be done in an accredited office-based surgical facility, a licensed ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. You receive either conscious sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes cuts that begin above the hairline at the temples, go behind the earlobe, and reach the lower scalp. The surgeon may tighten muscles. The surgeon may also remove or move loose skin. Stitches close the cuts.
Recovery
Mild swelling may continue for several weeks. You may also have numbness of the face and ears for up to several months. Your face may look pale, bruised, and puffy, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will look normal. Bandages are usually removed after 1 to 5 days. Some stitches are removed in 5 to 7 days. Avoid smoking and being around secondhand smoke. Right after surgery, avoid straining, bending, and lifting.
Risks and side effects
Risks of a facelift include the following.
- Bleeding, blood clots, or infection
- Damage to the nerves that control the muscles of the face. It is usually temporary but may be permanent
- Fluid that collects under the skin
- Pain that does not go away
- Unpleasant scarring
- Unevenness of the face
Poor cosmetic results may need more surgery. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, breathing problems such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or fainting. Also call if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or if you cough up or vomit blood.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon, a doctor who does surgery to change how the face looks, performs a facelift.
Common questions
Can a facelift stop aging?
No, a facelift cannot stop the aging process. It improves visible signs of aging, and it does not change your basic appearance.
Can other treatments take the place of a facelift?
No, because a facelift can only be done with surgery. Less invasive treatments may help delay the time when a facelift becomes right for you. Some of them, such as stem cell facelifts, are of unproven benefit.
Who usually has a facelift?
People who are unhappy with the signs of aging on their face but are otherwise healthy usually have one.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Facelift
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Facelift Surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - How Should I Prepare for a Facelift
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
