All surgery has risks and a facelift is no exception. Following any operation there is bruising and swelling. This lasts about two weeks but can continue for a month or more. Remember that the human body is asymmetrical and that even after surgery both sides of the body will look different. All surgery requires an incision and therefore will leave a scar. In most patients the scar heals well, but in a small number of people the scar remains thick and heavy, especially behind the ear. At the time of surgery the small nerves that supply feeling to the skin are damaged. This may cause changes in sensation including numbness. Although uncommon, bleeding and infection are risks and can be serious. You will have pain and discomfort after this surgery. The pain usually only lasts for a few days. One per cent of all operations lead to major complications. Weigh up the pros and cons, it is for you to decide. This is a surgical procedure and as such potentially serious complications such as a blood clot or embolus or an unexpected response to drugs or anesthetics can occur.
Beside the complications that can develop after any surgery, there are problems that are special for facelift. These include damage to the nerves that provide feeling and movement to the face and early recurrence of the problem.