Shaving face after my Facelift

Question

I am one week post op from my face lift/ neck lift and numb all along my jawline. Any recommendations on how to shave next week while not being able to feel the razor next to my cheeks? Does most men use an electric razor? How long does it take to get the feeling back?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of my male patients do choose to use an electric razor after a facelift.  Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after a facelift procedure.  I would strongly recommend speaking with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your concerns further.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question!  Parts of the face, neck, ears and scalp sometimes feel weak or “numb” 
after the face lift operation. This is to be expected and is usually 
temporary as the tiny nerves that provide sensation begin to grow back 
together. It may take several weeks or, on rare occasions, months for 
this to subside. The top of the head may itch or exhibit numbness for 
6-12 months if a forehead or brow lift is performed as part of the 
operation.  I tell all of my male patients that they may begin shaving at one week post-op with an electric razor only moving the razor in an upward direction so as to not pull against the results of the facelift.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

it is normal to have numbness on your face after a facelift.  Although this shouldn't affect your ability to shave, if you want to be safe, using an electric shaver is an option.Sensory nerves tend to start working again after a few weeks, although sometimes it can take much longer.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

It is normal as numbness after surgery and most male patients choose to use the electric razor until  sensation returns.   The sensation can return anywhere between a few weeks to a few months.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Because of numbness it may be difficult to know where a razor blade is on your cheek. This should be done very carefully or with an electric razor.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello leadville60,Thanks for your question.  Shaving with a typical multi-blade razor is typically not a problem after facelift surgery or facial laser resurfacing once at least a week of healing has gone by and your sutures have been removed.  I tell my male facelift patients to use the blade with plenty of shaving lubricant anywhere there are no suture lines and to go gently to avoid nicking the skin and creating a slow healing wound.  I recommend the use of an electric razor over the suture lines, such as under the chin.You don't need to feel your face to shave it safely if you use a mirror and are gentle.  Sensation in the face after a facelift/necklift can take 6-12 months to return.  In some cases, minor residual permanent numbness is experienced.  I haven't seen this to be a problem in the typical male facelift though.Good luck and I hope you are happy with your results.Dr. Shah

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

You can expect to be numb for a few months after the procedure, the area of numbness will get smaller every week. The the first week I ask my patients not to shave around the incision line as the sutures used are fine and can be accidentally cut. I have some patients that don't shave the first week, some patients that shave with an electric razor and do not have a problem and for those that use a blade, they just pay extra attention and I haven't seen or heard of any problems.

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

I think that it's important to shave conservatively if you must shave. A electric razor can be really helpful for the few first few weeks to months after surgery.  Gently shaving downwards can also help minimize the amount of potential cuts to your skin if it's still quite numb. I would be careful not to cut the sutures around and behind your ears.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I certainly wouldn't recommend shaving for at least two weeks. When you do start to shave I would definitely use that electric razor. The numbness in your chin and neck may take six months to totally return. Follow your surgeon's advice asked to his or her protocol for shaving.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

It is normal to have some numbness in the neck and jaw after the facelift.  If you use an electric razor you will have less chance of cutting the skin.  Many men just make sure to look in the mirror and shave carefully with a regular blade too.  If you still have sutures be careful as you can cut the sutures out.  The beard will move up and closer to the ear with the facelift so this is an area you have to be very careful.  We do laser hair removal for men once they have healed to help with this issue.

Shaving face after my Facelift

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