Facelift

While a facelift is certainly a significant surgical procedure, most patients describe the recovery process as involving tightness, soreness, swelling, and pressure with minimal discomfort rather than severe pain. The face and neck may feel stiff during the first week, particularly when chewing, smiling, turning the head, or making exaggerated facial expressions. The pain that does exist is more typical around and behind the ears rather than the face and neck itself. Dr. Stallworth utilizes pre-surgical non-narcotic medications to help suppress pain and has an anesthesia team that helps tailor anesthesia to suppress the perception of pain after surgery. Prescription pain medications are prescribed, but often used minimally during the first 1-2 days after surgery. Oftentimes, patients quickly transition to over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen for symptomatic pain relief. Following Dr. Stallworth’s aftercare instructions also helps to support a smooth recovery.

Facelift surgery is a process rather than a single event. Most patients will have an initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment, the surgical procedure itself, and a number of follow-up visits after surgery. These appointments allow Dr. Stallworth to monitor healing, remove sutures when appropriate, evaluate swelling, and ensure recovery is progressing as expected. Additional visits may be recommended depending on the complexity of the procedure or whether multiple treatments are performed simultaneously.

Patients often notice improvement immediately after surgery, but the early appearance is influenced significantly by swelling and bruising. During the first few weeks, the face may appear tighter or fuller than the final result because the tissues are still actively healing. Most patients begin to appreciate meaningful improvement within the first two weeks as swelling subsides and facial contours become more visible. By the time healing is complete, the face appears softer, more natural, and more refined than it did during the early stages of recovery.

Modern facelift techniques are designed to minimize visible scarring through discreet incision placement within the hairline, around the ears, and along existing facial contours. Although all surgical incisions create scars, visible scarring is typically limited by this careful approach and usually fades and softens over time. Initially, scars may appear pink, firm, or slightly noticeable, but over time they generally fade and soften.

Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery because it promotes circulation and supports recovery. However, more vigorous activities such as running, weightlifting, high-intensity exercise, and contact sports should be postponed until Dr. Stallworth determines that healing has progressed sufficiently. For most facial rejuvenation surgeries, patients do not return to their baseline exercise routine for 4-6 weeks.

Travel plans should be discussed during your consultation so they can be coordinated with your recovery schedule and follow-up appointments. While some patients are comfortable traveling within 1 to 2 weeks, others may benefit from staying close to the practice for a longer period, depending on the extent of surgery performed.

For patients traveling to San Antonio for facelift surgery, Dr. Stallworth will provide guidance regarding when it is safe to return home. In general, it is preferable to remain nearby until the earliest stages of recovery have passed and initial follow-up evaluations have been completed.

Risks may include bleeding, infection, scarring, delayed healing, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, nerve injury, changes in sensation, hairline irregularities, and the possibility of revision surgery. Although complications are uncommon, choosing a surgeon with specialized training in facial surgery is an important factor in reducing risk. Dr. Stallworth’s exclusive focus on facial plastic surgery allows him to carefully evaluate anatomy, select appropriate techniques, and develop individualized treatment plans designed to maximize safety while achieving natural-looking results.

When it comes to finding the right facelift surgeon, it’s important to choose a facial plastic surgeon or experienced plastic surgeon with specialized facelift expertise who takes into consideration your individual facial structure, features, and motivation for the procedure. Successful surgical outcomes involve a partnership among the patient, the surgeon, the patient’s family, and the entire surgical practice staff. Patients should demand a surgeon with significant surgical volume in each technique offered and review pre- and post-surgical photographic results to ensure the surgeon can deliver a result that meets their expectations. Similarly, a practice should be able to provide patient contacts who can relay their experience and provide a first-hand account of their own surgical journey. While there are many plastic and facial plastic surgeons in San Antonio, South Central Texas, and beyond, there are few that have the volume and expertise in facial surgery that Dr. Stallworth provides. Patients are encouraged to seek multiple consultations prior to surgery, as we firmly believe that Dr. Stallworth and the Texas Plastic Surgery practice provide unparalleled results and patient care.

Dr. Stallworth believes that every patient is unique, as are the goals for each individual’s surgery. As a result, one patient may require more or less of a given procedure than another, or an altogether different approach to improve facial features while preserving natural beauty and a youthful appearance.

In addition, modern aesthetic facial surgery should never result in stigmata of an unnatural, operated appearance that changes who you are. Based on your facial analysis and individualized goals, Dr. Stallworth will devise a personalized treatment plan that’s not only right for you but also helps to maintain a youthful, natural appearance. Rejuvenation procedures cannot stop the natural aging process, but they aim to restore a younger, more vibrant “you” by resetting the aging clock. Together, you and Dr. Stallworth can work toward restoring a vibrant, refreshed appearance to your face.