When your daily regimen of creams and serums, or even nonsurgical treatment options, don’t seem to make a difference anymore, it may be time to consider a facelift procedure. If you have sagging skin that easily pulls away from the face and neck or hangs loosely, a facelift is the only treatment option that can help. The facelift procedure removes this extra skin, creating a firm, youthful appearance.

Several different techniques may be used during a facelift procedure, depending on the cosmetic concern your surgeon is correcting. After anesthesia is administered, incisions for a facelift are usually placed in the hairline around the temple and work down to the lower scalp. During this procedure, the surgeon will sculpt or remove fat, reposition underlying tissue and lift facial muscles. A small incision under the chin may be needed to treat an aging neck. Once complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives.

After your facelift procedure, you can expect your lower face and neck to feel sore and tight for the first few days. Pain medications are usually prescribed and can help ease discomfort. Taking a couple weeks off from work is advised to allow yourself time to heal. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise for at least three weeks. While individual healing times vary, within about 10 days, the swelling and bruising should be minimal. Makeup is usually enough to cover any signs of surgery until your face heals completely. Because the incisions follow your hairline, facelift scars typically aren’t noticeable. Even when a chin incision is necessary, it should be placed to follow the natural creases in your chin, hiding the scar.

You may see changes to your facial appearance immediately after the procedure, though you will experience bruising and swelling for the first 2 weeks. After that, any additional bruising can be covered with makeup. Your face may not yet feel normal and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months to completely heal. Your face should appear much more youthful and toned and many patients are often able to take as much as 10 years off their appearance.