Facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Some people report feeling tightness or a pulling sensation in the face and neck, but this should subside as the swelling goes down. Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within 2-4 weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery period and how to minimize any discomfort.