Facelift surgery Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about facelift surgery
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Once home after my facelift, are there specific ways I should look after my skin?
- I am considering having a facelift. I want to lose some weight. Should I try to lose weight before or after the facelift?
- I am worried about how long it will take for my face to heal after a facelift. What should I expect?
- What qualifications should my surgeon have?
Once home after my facelift, are there specific ways I should look after my skin?
Yes. Following advice from your surgeon will stop your skin from becoming irritated.
Explanation
You will be given specific advice when you leave hospital but there are general steps you can follow.
- Washing your face - you won't be able to wash your face for a few days after your operation.
- Washing your hair - some surgeons may advise you not to wash your hair while your stitches are in place and your skin heals. Others advise using a mild shampoo (such as a baby shampoo). Don't use any styling products as they may cause irritation.
- Hair perming or colouring - if you want to perm or colour your hair, plan ahead and have this done before your operation. For a few weeks after the operation, the chemicals used in perming and colouring can irritate the surgical scars.
- Make-up - your surgeon will advise you when you can start wearing make-up - this is usually around four days after the operation. You can use camouflage make-up to help hide bruising.
- The sun - your surgeon will advise you to keep your face out of the sun for about six weeks after the operation. After that you should use a high-factor sun block.
- Facials - don't have a facial for at least six weeks after your operation.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
020 7405 2234
www.baaps.org.uk - British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Facelift. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 25 February 2009
- Light rejuvenation therapy. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 7 April 2009
- Facelift. British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. www.bapras.org.uk, accessed 25 February 2009
- Facelift (or rhytidectomy). Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 25 February 2009
I am considering having a facelift. I want to lose some weight. Should I try to lose weight before or after the facelift?
Losing weight before the operation will improve the results of your facelift.
Explanation
If you want to lose weight, you should try to do so before having a facelift. Losing weight before surgery means that your surgeon will be able to remove more skin and you should end up with better results.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
020 7405 2234
www.baaps.org.uk - British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Facelift. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 25 February 2009
I am worried about how long it will take for my face to heal after a facelift. What should I expect?
Every person is different. It's normal for your face to take several weeks or even months to settle completely.
Explanation
Your face will be bandaged after the surgery. Bandages are usually removed before you go home after a day or two. Expect to have bruising and swelling, which may take several weeks to subside. Be prepared for your skin to feel stiff, tight and look strange at first.
It's normal to have some numbness after the surgery, particularly in your cheeks and ears. This is usually temporary, but for a very small number of people it can be permanent. Your skin may also feel rough and dry after the operation.
Smoking can affect skin healing, so it's best to stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery, or earlier if advised by your surgeon.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
020 7405 2234
www.baaps.org.uk - British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Facelift. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 25 February 2009
- Facelift (or rhytidectomy). Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 25 February 2009
What qualifications should my surgeon have?
There is no single qualification for cosmetic surgery, so you will need to do your homework. Your GP is a good starting point.
Explanation
It's best to discuss any sort of surgery with your GP first. He or she may know of surgeons in your area and will also be able to pass on any important health information from your medical records to the surgeon. If you don't want to involve your GP, you can find a surgeon yourself, but it's important to get as much information as possible about your surgeon's qualifications and experience. Don't be guided by price, and be wary of advertising claims.
There is no central registry of surgeons trained in cosmetic surgery. Doctors performing cosmetic surgery can be trained in any of the nine surgical specialties that are recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons. Most surgeons who do cosmetic surgery have been trained in plastic surgery. Doctors from other specialities such as ENT (ear, nose and throat), ophthalmology (eyes) and dermatology (skin) may carry out some cosmetic surgery. Doctors with only basic medical qualifications should not do cosmetic surgery (basic qualifications are shown by the letters MBBS or MBChB).
Check that your surgeon is on the General Medical Council's specialist register - you can do this by looking at the General Medical Council's website.
Before deciding to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, you should have an initial consultation with your surgeon. Don't be afraid to ask the surgeon questions about his or her qualifications and experience. Ask whether he or she belongs to a professional association, such as the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Further information
- General Medical Council
0845 357 8001
www.gmc-uk.org - British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
020 7405 2234
www.baaps.org.uk - British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Information about healthcare providers: cosmetic surgery. Healthcare Commission. www.healthcarecommission.org.uk, accessed 23 February 2009
- Questions about cosmetic surgery. Royal College of Surgeons of England. www.rcseng.ac.ukaccessed 19 February 2009
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
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