Is it recommended to put warm pads to help with swelling after a facelift?

This is a question that should be discussed directly with the surgeon performing your facelift. Every surgeon will have postop instructions that  help them achieve the results that you have seen in the before and after photos and in friends of yours who have had surgery with that surgeon.
When it comes to my patients, lukewarm, warm, hot, or microwaved compresses ARE NOT allowed. The risk of injury/burn to the skin is increased because of numbness (decreased sensation of the skin) that all patients experience after a facelift. 

I have my patients use ice packs intermittently (to avoid cold injury) after surgery to help reduce swelling and bruising.  Warm pads (or heating pads) can encourage bleeding in the immediate postoperative period and potentially cause burns in numb areas. Your operating surgeon should give you specific advice as to what he or she recommends.
Best wishes! 

While most patients prefer the feel of warmth over ice in the postop period, warm compresses are not recommended.  As with most surgeries or injuries, icing is the treatment of choice.  This will help reduce swelling and aid in recovery, as will keeping your head elevated.  Be sure to explicitly follow the instructions from your board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon and your recovery should be uneventful.