Facelift Questions and Answers
The following Facelift (Rhytidectomy) questions are asked by real people like you. The answers are provided by board-certified doctors or qualified medical providers who meet our exacting standards.
01: Where are facelift incisions made? Will they leave scars?
Facelift incisions usually start at the temples and run around the ears. The pattern and length of the incisions are different for different patients depending on their individual needs and desired results. In any case, incisions are made within the hairline or the natural creases of the skin to make the resulting scars as inconspicuous as possible. The scars after facelift are very faint and can be easily concealed with makeup, and they usually completely disappear after a year or so.
02: Do I need to have a CT scan before facelift?
Generally not, unless there is a facial deformity that requires a CT scan for a more detailed evaluation.
03: Will there be bruising after facelift? How long will it last?
There will be bruising for 1-3 weeks after facelift surgery.
04: When will the swelling go down after facelift?
It takes 3-4 weeks for the swelling to subside after facelift surgery.
05: Can I work on the computer or tilt my head forward after facelift?
Using computers and watching TV is not prohibited but you shouldn’t keep your head tilted forward for long hours in the first two weeks after your facelift.
06: How should I sleep after facelift?
You should sleep on your back (supine position) with no pillows for the first two weeks after surgery.
07: When should the stitches be removed after facelift?
The stitches in front of the ears are usually removed on day 6 or 7 after surgery. The remaining sutures are generally removed on day 12 or earlier.
08: How soon can I wear makeup after facelift?
You should wait at least 10 days before wearing any makeup after facelift surgery. After that, do not put on heavy makeup and when taking off the makeup it is better to wipe it off your skin in the upward direction.
09: Will any of my hair be shaved for facelift surgery?
Only a thin strip of hairs from behind and above the ears are trimmed, which won’t be visible after the surgery.
10: How to wash and dress my hair after facelift surgery?
You can wash your hair with lukewarm water on day 4 after surgery and use a wide-tooth comb for dressing the hair. Do not use shampoo until day 6 after surgery. You can use a hairbrush but you should apply it very gently. Using a hairdryer is ok but make sure to use the medium temperature because you may not completely feel the heat of the air if it’s too hot because of the partial loss of sensation in some areas after the surgery, which will improve with time.
11: How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
You need to have plenty of rest in the first week after surgery, minimize your activities, and strictly follow your surgeon’s instructions. The swelling and bruising will have largely gone down by the end of the second week and you can return to your daily routine in the third week following the surgery. Even so, it takes a longer time for the bruising to completely fade and for you to be able to resume heavy physical activities. All in all, depending on your healing condition and lifestyle, it generally takes 2-3 months to fully recover from the procedure and see the final results.
12: How soon after facelift can I bathe and shower?
You can bathe and shower with lukewarm water on day 4 after surgery but avoid using shampoo until day 6.
13: How long do I need to stay in Iran for my facelift?
The required period you need to remain in Iran is between 7 and 9 days.
14: Will I need to stay in the hospital after my facelift?
Generally, you need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours following the surgery.
15: What are facelift pre-operative instructions?
Just like in any other plastic surgery, you should avoid smoking and anything containing nicotine from two weeks before surgery, as well as blood-thinning medicines such as those containing aspirin. You should also stop drinking alcohol one week before facelift surgery.
Before & After Photos
About Facelift in Iran
Facelift Article
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