How Long Postop Does It Take for a Patient to Regain Facial Muscle Strength?

Muscle weakness is very uncommon after facelift surgery, Especially following a mini-lift it is highly unlikely that any nerve injury would result if the procedure was performed by an experienced facelift surgeon. Following more extensive facelifts, limited facial weakness can occasionally result from stretching of nerves and resolves in several weeks to several months. However, this is an uncommon complication. If you are seeking consultations with facelift surgeons and are concerned, you... more

For those who do experience facial muscle weakness, the weakness should resolve on its own within a matter of weeks. The muscles are regaining movement after surgery where they are lifted. If you are concerned about this issue, discuss it with your doctor prior to your mini facelift.

If performed properly, it is extremely unusual to see true muscle weakness after a Mini Lift. It is more common to have muscle stiffness and tightness from lifting the loose face and neck muscles during the surgery. In general, the stiffness improves dramatically during the first two weeks after surgery, but will continue to improve for the first few months afterwards. If you have true muscle weakness from injury to the nerves that control the face, the movement will generally improve... more