How soon may I drive after a facelift? I have a stick shift.

Different surgeons will have different protocols for when patients may drive again after facelift surgery.  Having a stick shift versus an automatic car would not make any difference.  The main issue with driving after facelift surgery is the turning of the neck, which may put more tension on the operated area.  This tension can affect healing.  When turning the head during the recovery period, it is best to turn the head and the neck together, as this will produce less stretch on the incisions.  You should check with your particular surgeon to see when he or she recommends it would be safe to drive again. 

Hello Joyce2be: the broad answer to your question would be "it depends". Recovery after a facelift is different for everyone. Patients who undergo general anesthesia typically take longer to recover than those who undergo local anesthesia. Recovery is usually characterized by postop nausea and pain. Driving safely, especially with a stick shift, requires your full attention and focus. So you would obviously need to be past that nausea and pain before getting behind the wheel.Full Disclosure: I am a Lifestyle Lift surgeon, and we do all our procedures under local anesthesia. As stated earlier, the recovery period is different for everyone, but generally faster. I see my patients the day after surgery (post-op day #1), then at 8-10 days after surgery for suture removal. Most of my patients need a driver to that first followup, but can drive themselves to the suture removal. Many report being able to drive within a week of surgery.  HOpe that helps.