Do you place drains after a full facelift?

Great question...because there are many different opinions concerning drains, whether for a facelift, breast surgery, abdominoplasty, etc.
I always use a 10 Fr. drain per side that is placed under the neck skin and exits within the hair behind the ear. This is connected to a bulb that maintains suction continuously. The drain/tube is thin measuring only ~3mm in diameter...it is removed usually on day 2 post-op, but can be longer depending on the drainage.
My philosophy is that I'd rather have the fluid/serum/blood in the bulb and not under the skin flaps. I think there is less bruising and less chance of hematoma when drains are used. 

I don't typically use drains with my facelift patients. Performing the surgery while the patient's blood pressure is near their normal state and being very careful to cauterize even the smallest of bleeders will typically prevent any bleeding issues after the procedure and a drain will not be required. If a particular patient seems to be a little " oozey " I will put drains in and take them out the next day to minimize any bruising. Drains can't prevent a hematoma.

I use drains on facelifts about half the time. Drains do not prevent hematomas or collections of blood. Some surgeons, like people, like to do things the same way every time. However, there are surgeons, like people, who do things depending on the exact situation they face. Oftentimes, drains are just another cause of discomfort and annoyance for my patient. If I feel confident ablout not need a drain, I would rather go without. Either way, I wrap my facelift patients in a bulky dressing which is removed the very next day, and if a drain is present it is also removed. Patients may shower and fully wash their face and hair on the second day after surgery. Hope this helps!