Facelift

Most of Dr. Block-Wheeler’s patients experience only moderate discomfort after a facelift.

During the procedure, anesthesia keeps you completely comfortable. After surgery, some tightness, swelling, and soreness are normal and usually well controlled with prescribed pain medication.

Many also say the sensation is more like muscle tightness than sharp pain, and it steadily improves over the first few days to weeks.

Typically, patients have an initial consultation, the surgical appointment, and several follow-up visits to monitor healing. Most patients return for two to four follow-ups in the first few months.

Additional visits may be scheduled if needed to ensure proper healing, assess results, and address any questions or concerns.

You will notice an immediate change in facial contours once swelling begins to subside, but the final results take time to appear. Swelling and minor bruising usually diminish significantly within two to four weeks.

Most patients see their refined, natural outcome between six and eight weeks after surgery, with continued subtle improvement for several months as the tissues fully settle.

Your incisions will be placed in natural creases and along the hairline to minimize visibility. Over time, scars fade significantly, becoming nearly imperceptible in most patients.

Dr. Block-Wheeler provides guidance on scar care to ensure optimal healing.

Light activity can be resumed within a week or two, but more intense exercises, weightlifting, or other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks to protect the healing tissues.

Yes, common additions include a neck lift to smooth the jaw and neck transition, a brow lift to lift the upper face, or eyelid surgery to address sagging or puffiness. A fat transfer can address deficits in facial volume. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser resurfacing, can also be added to enhance results by improving skin texture.

Dr. Block-Wheeler tailors each treatment plan to your facial structure and personal goals to ensure natural results and a smooth healing process.

Side effects we can see with a facelift include swelling, bruising, tightness, asymmetry, infection, hematoma, changes in skin sensation, or visible scarring.

Rarely, complications such as nerve injury can occur, which may affect movement or sensation in the face.

Begin your facelift journey by looking for facial plastic surgeons or plastic surgeons with extensive facelift experience in the San Francisco area. You’ll then want to ensure their surgical style aligns with your goals.

You might also want to read patient reviews that offer insight into the surgeon’s approach, bedside manner, and overall patient experience.