Given the huge number of people who get facelifts each year and at all ages, the amount of pain involved in the procedure is evidently bearable for just about everybody.
But whatever the average pain threshold is for a facelift, an estimated 234,374 people in the US alone felt it was worthwhile enough to endure.
Actually, according to many facelift patients, there’s very little actual pain following the procedure, and no pain at all during it, thanks to general anesthesia.
Most patients report only minimal to moderate soreness after surgery, which includes sensations of swelling, deep soreness, and the obvious bruising.
These side effects of a face lift are consistent with what actually happens during the procedure.
In most facelifts (there are several variations of the procedure), a hefty layer of skin and tissue are detached from the underlying structure of the face, and then physically repositioned into a more youthful and less wrinkled location.
Unlike a nose job, no bones are broken in the process of a facelft, but the face still takes a fair amount of pulling, cutting, movement and manipulation.
To move the skin alone during a facelift would result in a stretched or wind-blown look.
When the anesthesia wears off after a facelift, it’s that deep soreness you will be left with.
For most patients, that pain is bearable, and when it isn’t, pain medication can be used to get it under control.
The worst of the pain that happens after a facelift typically lasts for no more than 2-4 days, with many patients no longer needing pain medication after the second day.
Compared to other plastic surgery procedures, like the abdominoplasty and rhinoplasty, a facelift is less painful for most people.
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How Painful?
Many facelift patients worry about how much pain they would experience after surgery.
While it would seem like having a facelift should be very unpleasant, most patients are really astonished at how little pain they actually feel.
Although the facelift concentrates on a delicate part of the body, sophisticated surgical methods and pain control approaches may assist to reduce any discomfort experienced.
Pain Medication
After facelift surgery, patients are usually prescribed either opioid painkillers, like Percocet, Norco, or Vicodin. Since opioids can be addictive, their use is usually reduced as much as possible after elective surgery, and if a patient can address their pain effectively using only over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, then that is usually advised.
But as a safety precaution, most plastic surgeons have their patients fill an order of prescription painkillers.
You may or may not need them. (And this article isn’t an effort to suggest you don’t use them, or that you do anything different than what your surgeon advises; it’s merely for information).
The longest that most patients will feel the need to use pain medication for after a facelift is about four days.
How Painful is a Facelift During and Right After the Procedure?
Since your facelift will be performed while you are unconscious and under the influence of anesthesia, most patients don’t need to worry about feeling anything during the procedure itself.
Depending on how much work has to be done, facelift procedures may last anywhere from three to six hours in the operating room. You’ll be given enough anesthesia to put you to sleep for the whole procedure.
Even better, once the anesthetic wears off and you awaken, you’ll have some time to get used to new sensations.
Your face plastic surgeon will make small incisions along your hairline, around your ears, and down to the lower scalp throughout the surgery.
From this point, he or she will be able to work with the lower face’s tissues, skin, fat, and muscles to create a more youthful look.
Your facial plastic surgeon will discuss the details of your facelift operation with you during your one-on-one consultation since every surgery is uniquely designed to match the requirements of the patient.
What to Expect Right After the Facelift Surgery
It’s normal for the anesthesia to have left you feeling drowsy, queasy, and confused when you woke up. As your body progressively absorbs the anesthetic, it’s normal to have some blurred vision and numbness or tingling throughout your body. Headaches, chills, exhaustion, and vertigo are possible additional symptoms, however most people do not experience them all at once. You will eventually experience a small soreness at the surgical treatment site. At this point, you may start using painkillers to relieve your discomfort.
The Recovery Process After a Facelift
You may have some pain during the first two days after your procedure. Get as much rest as you can since you can be worn out and weary. By doing this, you benefit your body and get through the most challenging phase of rehabilitation. Don’t miss doses of your painkillers in an effort to be “tough.” Instead, take them as prescribed. If pain is not controlled, it may be taxing on the body and lengthen the time it takes to recover.
It’s also important to make sure you are closely following your surgeon’s recommendations for caring for your wounds and changing your bandages throughout these first days. If you want to experience as little pain as possible, you must follow all of their advice to prevent an infection and other post-surgical risks.
That said, you will progressively remove any bandages and drainage tubes that may have been applied to your face as it recovers. As the swelling decreases and the bruises heal, your face will start to feel better every day.
How to Manage Pain and Discomfort After a Facelift
Any kind of cosmetic surgery may strain the body while it undergoes transformation, but this isn’t always a negative thing. The following facelift recovery advice can assist your body in managing your discomfort while allowing it to acclimate to the new changes:
Arrange for assistance for the first 48 hours after surgery: When you’re forced to spend the whole day relaxing in one place, having an additional set of hands is helpful. Additionally, you may need help going to the restroom or cooking.
Keep your head elevated: Keep your head up at an angle, even while you are sleeping, to lessen swelling. Less swell equals less pressure, which causes less pain.
Apply ice to minimize swelling: Discuss the use of cold compresses with your facial plastic surgeon, including when and how to use them. On days when you feel puffy and uncomfortable, they may be a huge help in minimizing any pain you’re feeling.
Facelift surgeries have been performed for many years, and with each passing year, new techniques and methods are created to guarantee the patient has as little discomfort as possible throughout the process. In any case, you should have a smooth and enjoyable recovery after your facelift if you listen to and follow the advice and instructions of your medical professionals.
See also: 20 Tips for Better, Faster Facelift Recovery.
