You’ve had a facelift, and you’re feeling great. But now what?
It’s time to start thinking about the recovery process and how to make it as easy as possible for yourself. You want your results to last — and we’re here to help!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from what you should expect during your recovery period to how to take care of yourself after surgery.
Stages of Facelift Recovery
Recovery from a facelift is a critical part of the process. The facelift surgery recovery time(s) varies from patient to patient and depends on the kind of surgical procedure done.
Depending on the procedure you have, you might be feeling quite different than you did before your surgery.
It’s important to remember that this is normal and there are several stages of recovery that you can expect to go through.
Immediately After Surgery
After your facelift, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored for at least a few hours. You may feel pain or pressure in the face and neck, which can be relieved with ice packs. It is important to keep your head elevated so that blood doesn’t collect under your scalp and cause swelling.
Your surgeon will likely give you instructions about how to care for yourself at home and when you can return to work.
Your First Few Days After Surgery
You will feel tired and sore during the first few days after your facelift. This is normal, and you should expect to feel some discomfort.
You may feel discomfort in your head, cheeks, neck, and shoulders. This is due to swelling and tightness in these areas.
Here are some tips for recovering from your procedure:
- Rest as much as possible on the day of surgery
- Take any pain medication that has been prescribed by your doctor
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
If you have any questions or concerns about your procedure or recovery process, make sure you speak with your surgeon about them right away.
One Week After Your Facelift
After one week, all bandages should be removed and any remaining stitches will be taken out. You’ll probably still have some swelling in your face; this is normal and should subside over the next two weeks as scar tissue forms under your skin.
Two Weeks After Your Facelift
After two weeks post-surgery, most patients can return to work and their daily routine without any issues. You will have some swelling and bruising around your eyes, and you must avoid tanning and sun exposure during this time. You may also notice some discomfort in the area where the incisions were made, as well as numbness or swelling of the lips.
One – Three Months After Your Facelift
During this period, which lasts anywhere from one month up to three months depending on how much work was done on your face, most people can resume normal activities with few restrictions. If there’s any bruising left over from your surgery (which is usually minimal), this should fade away during this time as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a procedure that tightens and lifts the skin on your face, neck, and eyelids to restore a more youthful appearance. It can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or neck liposuction.
Will the Results Last?
The results of facelift surgery are permanent once they have healed and settled into place, but your body may change over time as you age. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep up with routine skin care to maintain healthy facial skin and overall health.
How Much Downtime Will I Have After Surgery?
It’s important to allow yourself time to rest following surgery. It’s best to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks after your procedure, but you may be able to resume light exercise as early as one week after surgery if it does not involve heavy lifting or strain on your neck muscles.
What Are the Risks Associated With a Facelift?
While there are some risks associated with any surgical procedure, they are minimal in comparison to the potential benefits. Facelifts are generally very safe procedures.
However, they can cause complications such as infection and poor wound healing, which can lead to scarring and even loss of function. Make sure you discuss these risks with your surgeon before going through the procedure.
How Much Pain Should I Expect?
You may experience some pain after your facelift procedure, but it should be minimal — especially if you received anesthesia during surgery. To prevent post-operative soreness and swelling, follow all of your surgeon’s advice regarding medication use and dietary restrictions.
Your doctor will also provide you with tips on how to manage any discomfort or complications that arise during recovery.
Can I Fly Home After My Facelift?
It’s best if you have someone drive you home from the hospital after surgery. You shouldn’t fly for at least two weeks after your procedure. If you must fly, make sure to take along plenty of pillows for support and wear loose clothing that won’t constrict any bandages on your face or neck.
