Depends. Although some surgeons routinely place drains and some surgeons routinely do not place drains, I find that I individualize the patient and the sub techniques in facelift that have been performed. Smaller facelifts in select patients probably do not require draining. A more involved one I find myself placing drains. There is no consensus on this in the plastic surgeons community. It is similar to tummy tucks where some do and some don't. There are pros and cons for placing drains. Often, the reason for placing a drain is that if there is any bleeding, this can be drained out. Also, drains are sometimes placed on vacuum suction which can help the skin that has been lifted in facelifting to adhere more firmly some believe. On the other hand drains require a small incision to come out and can also disturb things including when the drain is removed. It all depends on your surgeons preferences.