Face Lift: 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 Face Lift?
A plastic surgeon, a doctor who does surgery to change how the face looks, performs a face lift. A face lift is also called a rhytidectomy. 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 face lift is a surgery that improves sagging, drooping, and wrinkled skin of the face and neck. It can be done alone or together with nose reshaping, a forehead lift, or eyelid surgery. Many different techniques exist. The results of each one are similar, but how long the improvement lasts may vary.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Sagging or wrinkled skin happens naturally as you get older. People have a face lift when they are unhappy with the signs of aging on their face but are otherwise healthy.
How to prepare
Before surgery, you have a consultation that includes a history, a physical exam, and a psychological evaluation.
- Tell your surgeon if you are or could be pregnant.
- Tell your surgeon about any medicines, supplements, or herbs you take.
- If you smoke, cut back or quit, since smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of blood clots.
- In the week before surgery, you may be asked to pause medicines that thin the blood.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
What happens during it
You are either sleepy and pain-free with conscious sedation, or deeply asleep and pain-free with general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon makes cuts that begin above the hairline at the temples, go behind the earlobe, and reach the lower scalp. A cut may also be made beneath the chin. The surgeon may lift some fat and muscle under the skin. This is called the SMAS layer, the main lifting part of the surgery. The surgeon may also remove or move loose skin. The surgeon may tighten muscles. Some stitches may dissolve, and others may need to be removed later.
Recovery
A small, thin tube may be placed under the skin behind the ear. It drains any blood that collects there. You should not have much discomfort. The surgeon can prescribe pain medicine for any you do feel. Raise your head on 2 to 3 pillows for a couple of days to keep the swelling down.
Some of the stitches come out in 5 to 7 days. For the first few days, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other drugs of that type. Right after surgery, avoid straining, bending, and lifting.
Risks and side effects
Risks of a face lift include the following.
- Reactions to medicines
- Bleeding, blood clots, or infection
- A pocket of blood under the skin, called a hematoma. It may need to be drained surgically
- Damage to the nerves that control the muscles of the face. It is usually temporary but may be permanent
- Wounds that do not heal well
- Pain that does not go away
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Temporary or permanent hair loss at the cuts
- Unpleasant scarring
- Unevenness of the face
- Changes in skin color
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 face lift.
Common questions
Where are the scars after a face lift?
Most of the scars are hidden in the hairline or the natural lines of the face. They fade over time. Your surgeon will probably advise you to limit your sun exposure.
How long until my face looks normal after a face lift?
Your face may look pale, bruised, and puffy at first, but in 4 to 6 weeks it will look normal. Swelling, bruising, skin discoloration, tenderness, and numbness last 10 to 14 days or longer.
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 Procedure Steps
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Facelift Risks and Safety
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.
