Is a Facelift Painful? What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery 

January 24, 2026 | Facelift
6 minute read

Is a Facelift Painful? What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery 

One of the most common concerns patients have when considering facelift surgery is a simple one: Is a facelift painful? 

The short answer is that most patients experience discomfort rather than severe pain, and modern surgical techniques and anesthesia make facelift surgery far more comfortable than many people expect. Understanding what “pain” really feels like during each phase of the process can help reduce anxiety and set realistic expectations. 

Is a Facelift Painful During Surgery? 

No. You should not feel pain during facelift surgery. 

Most facelift procedures are performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, meaning patients are comfortable and unaware during surgery. Your anesthesia team closely monitors you throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort. 

In some settings, facelift surgery may be performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation. In these cases, numbing medication is administered to the surgical area. Patients may feel brief discomfort or a stinging sensation during the numbing process, but once anesthesia has taken effect, the procedure itself should not be painful. 

What Does Facelift Pain Feel Like After Surgery? 

After surgery, most patients describe the sensation as tightness, pressure, or soreness, rather than sharp pain. This tight or “full” feeling is related to swelling and tissue repositioning—not injury or tissue damage. 

Common descriptions include: 

• Tightness along the jawline or neck 

• Mild to moderate soreness 

• A sense of facial pressure or stiffness 

• Temporary numbness along the sides of the face or around the ears, which some patients describe as feeling like a “board” resting against the side of the face 

This numbness is expected and related to swelling and normal nerve recovery. It gradually improves over time as healing progresses. 

True severe pain is uncommon after facelift surgery. 

When Is Discomfort the Most Noticeable? 

For most patients, discomfort is most noticeable during the first few days after surgery. This is when swelling is greatest, and tissues are adjusting to their new position. 

Importantly, discomfort tends to improve steadily rather than worsen. Many patients are surprised by how manageable the first week feels compared to their expectations. 

How Is Pain Managed After a Facelift? 

Post-operative discomfort after a facelift is typically well controlled with a thoughtful, proactive pain-management plan. This often includes: 

• Prescription or non-opioid pain medication (as appropriate) 

• Anti-inflammatory measures 

• Proper head elevation and rest 

At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates (FPSA), we also take additional steps to help maximize comfort—especially during the first night after surgery. 

As part of our protocol, a long-acting local anesthetic is placed at the conclusion of surgery to provide extended numbing and help keep patients comfortable during the early post-operative period, when discomfort is most noticeable. 

In addition, we use a multimodal pain-control regimen, meaning pain and inflammation are addressed through multiple complementary methods rather than relying heavily on a single medication. This approach allows us to proactively manage discomfort, reduce inflammation, and often minimize the need for opioid medications. 

Reducing opioid use can help limit common side effects such as: 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Constipation 

• Drowsiness or grogginess 

• Mental fog or slowed reaction time 

Is Facelift Pain Worse Than Other Surgeries? 

Many patients report that facelift surgery is less painful than procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, sinus surgery, or orthopedic procedures. While everyone’s pain tolerance is different, facelift discomfort is generally considered manageable and temporary. 

Does the Type of Facelift Affect Pain? 

The type of facelift performed can influence the pattern of tightness or soreness, but not necessarily the intensity of pain. More advanced techniques may involve more tissue repositioning, which can feel tight initially, but this does not usually translate into severe pain. 

Your surgeon will discuss how your specific procedure may feel based on your anatomy and surgical plan. 

When Should Pain Be a Concern? 

While discomfort is expected, severe or worsening pain is not typical. Patients should contact their surgeon if they experience: 

• Increasing pain that does not improve 

• Pain associated with significant swelling on one side 

• Symptoms that feel sudden or unusual 

Your surgical team is always available to guide you if questions arise. 

The Bottom Line: Is a Facelift Painful? 

For most patients, a facelift is far less painful than anticipated. Discomfort is usually mild to moderate, well-controlled with medication, and improves steadily during the early healing phase. 

If you’re considering facelift surgery and want to understand what recovery and comfort look like for your specific situation, a personalized consultation is the best next step. 

Facelift Pain FAQs