What to Expect During and After a Facelift with an Oral Surgeon
Posted on 3/11/2026 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery |
 A facelift performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon combines deep knowledge of facial anatomy with surgical precision, and understanding the process can help you feel confident about your decision. Many people don’t realize that oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform facelifts. Their training covers the bones, muscles, nerves, and soft tissues of the entire face and jaw, giving them a perspective that goes beyond skin-deep cosmetic work.
At Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery, our board-certified surgeons offer cosmetic services including facelifts at our offices across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. Whether you’re exploring a facelift for the first time or comparing providers, this post walks through the procedure, recovery timeline, and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
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Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for a Facelift
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency training after dental school, with extensive focus on the hard and soft tissues of the face. This training includes reconstructive surgery, trauma repair, corrective jaw surgery, and cosmetic procedures. It’s a level of facial anatomy expertise that few other specialties match.
When an oral surgeon performs a facelift, they’re working with a three-dimensional understanding of how the facial bones, fat pads, muscles, and skin layers interact. This matters because a facelift isn’t just about pulling skin tighter. The best outcomes come from repositioning the deeper tissue structures so the face looks naturally refreshed, not stretched or artificial.
Our surgeons also manage complex facial cases every day, from jaw reconstruction to facial trauma repair. That experience translates directly to cosmetic procedures where precision and aesthetic judgment are critical.
What Happens During the Procedure
A facelift (rhytidectomy) addresses sagging skin, deep creases, jowling along the jawline, and loss of muscle tone in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. The specifics of your procedure depend on which areas you want to address and how much correction is needed.
Before the procedure, you’ll have a thorough consultation where your surgeon evaluates your facial structure, discusses your goals, and explains the surgical plan. Photos and measurements are typically taken to guide the approach.
On the day of the procedure, anesthesia is administered. Facelifts are commonly performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient preference.
Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visible scarring. The most common placement follows the natural contour in front of the ear, continues around the earlobe, and extends behind the ear into the hairline. Through these incisions, the surgeon repositions underlying muscle and tissue, removes or redistributes excess fat if needed, redrapes the skin, and removes any excess.
The procedure typically takes two to four hours. Some patients combine a facelift with complementary procedures like eyelid surgery or fat transfer to the midface for a more comprehensive result.
Recovery: What the First Weeks Look Like
Recovery from a facelift requires patience, but most patients find it more manageable than they expected. Here’s a general timeline of what to anticipate.
During the first week, you’ll have bandages around your face and possibly a small drain to prevent fluid buildup. Swelling and bruising are at their peak during this time. Most patients take at least one to two weeks off work. Sleeping with your head elevated and applying cold compresses as directed can help manage swelling.
By weeks two through three, the majority of bruising fades and swelling begins to decrease noticeably. Sutures are removed if they weren’t dissolvable. Many patients feel comfortable going out in public with makeup by the end of the second week, though some visible swelling may linger.
At four to six weeks, most patients feel close to normal. Residual swelling continues to resolve gradually. You can typically return to exercise and more strenuous activities around this time, following your surgeon’s guidance.
Full results become apparent over the following three to six months as all swelling subsides and the tissues settle into their new position. The healing process is gradual, and the final result looks more natural than what you see in those first few weeks.
Results and How Long They Last
A well-performed facelift can turn back the clock by roughly seven to ten years for most patients. The goal isn’t to change who you look like; it’s to restore a more rested, refreshed version of yourself. Jowling is reduced, the jawline is more defined, neck skin is tightened, and deep creases soften.
Facelift results are long-lasting. While the aging process continues naturally after surgery, the improvements from the procedure are durable. Most patients enjoy their results for ten years or more before considering any additional work. Good skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle all contribute to maintaining your results over time.
It’s worth noting that a facelift addresses the lower face and neck. If you have concerns about the upper face, such as drooping eyelids or heavy brows, your surgeon may recommend complementary procedures during your consultation.
Exploring Your Options
If you’re considering a facelift, a consultation is the best place to start. Our surgeons at Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery will evaluate your facial structure, listen to your goals, and give you an honest assessment of what a facelift can accomplish for you. Visit our locations page to find a convenient office in West Virginia, Kentucky, or Virginia, or request an appointment to get started. Learn more about our full range of services on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to get a facelift?
There’s no strict age requirement. Most facelift patients are in their 40s through 70s, but candidacy depends on your individual facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals rather than a number on the calendar.
Will a facelift leave visible scars?
Incisions are placed along natural creases in front of and behind the ears, as well as along the hairline. Once fully healed, these scars are typically well-concealed and difficult to notice.
How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
Most patients return to work and social activities within two weeks. Full results develop over three to six months as residual swelling resolves. Strenuous exercise is typically resumed around four to six weeks.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat transfer to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Your surgeon will discuss which combinations make sense for your goals.
Are facelifts performed by oral surgeons safe?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in facial anatomy and surgical technique through years of hospital-based residency. Their expertise in the bones, nerves, and soft tissues of the face makes them highly qualified to perform cosmetic facial procedures safely.
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