Loose skin is pulled up and backward, and the excess is removed. A layer of tissue over the facial muscles can be tightened as well, and this can greatly enhance the results of the facelift, especially on the neck. While the first several days after surgery may leave you feeling more tired than usual, you can probably be back at work within ten days to two weeks. Special camouflaging make- up can be used to hide bruises that haven't healed completely. By the third week, you should be looking and feeling much, much better.
Healing is gradual, so expect to wait several weeks to months before optimum results are achieved.
Since your skin will remain somewhat sensitive for a few months following the surgery, you would be wise to limit sun exposure and protect your skin with a sunscreen. Most of the scars will be hidden under your hair or in the normal creases of your skin. The scars can usually be easily concealed by the hair and with the judicious use of makeup. Interestingly, when men have facelifts, they may have a permanent need to shave behind their ears, since beard- growing skin is pulled up behind their ears during the procedure. Poor healing of the skin and bad scars are most likely in smokers.