Recovering from Facelift Surgery

The overall appearance of your face can be marred by lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Even just a few wrinkles can make you look much older than you really are. Thankfully these matters can be addressed by meeting with a skilled plastic surgeon. When it comes to anti-aging care and the face, one of the sure options to consider is a facelift.

About Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the face. It’s especially effective for the middle area of the face, including the corners of the eyes. The surgery will tighten the skin of the middle portion of the face, making you look much younger and rejuvenated as a result.

The recovery process following facelift can be a trying time for some patients, but it is most certainly worthwhile. Let’s go over some of the basics of facelift recovery right now. Patients will receive more detailed information about this healing process during their consultation.

What to Expect in the First Day or Two After Surgery

In the first day or so after undergoing facelift surgery, patients will likely notice discomfort, fatigue, and swelling. Numbness and grogginess are common during this period as well and are your body’s natural responses to the healing process.

Patients are asked to rest and not engage in any sorts of activities that are unnecessary. Your surgeon will likely recommend that your head remain elevated even while sleeping in order to promote proper healing and reduce the chance of complications.

Basic Do’s and Don’ts During Early Recovery

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts that patients should keep in mind. We will have a much longer list of these at our cosmetic plastic surgery center.

• DO keep incisions and surgical dressings dry
• DO take recommended pain medication to manage discomfort
• DO get as much rest as possible
• DO stay well hydrated
• DO engage in light stretching or light walking in your home if you are able
• DON’T smoke or drink alcoholic beverages
• DON’T engage in strenuous physical activity, including sexual activity
• DON’T lift heavy objects
• DON’T go to steam rooms or saunas
• DON’T wear earrings or makeup
• DON’T use a blow dryer

What to Expect in the Weeks After Surgery

As patients recover, the side effects that they experienced in the first days following facelift surgery will subside. Most of the stitches and sutures in place after the initial surgery will be removed after the first week. Patient should be able to return to work after two weeks, and any issues with skin discoloration should be mostly gone by then.

Gradually, your surgeon will allow you to return to normal activities. Note that each patient is different and that healing can take different amounts of time for people. Don’t push yourself and play it safe and conservative. This is how the best results can be achieved.

Tips for the Road Ahead

Even a few months after you undergo a facelift surgery, it may not be a good idea to visit a sauna or go to a steam bath. Both of these can have negative effects on overall appearance if they are visited before being fully healed. In general, though, at the end of a few months, you should be back to normal.

Learn More About Facelift Surgery

If you would like to learn more about facelift surgery and your many other options for advanced facial aesthetics, be sure to contact our Davis, Petaluma, and Greenbrae cosmetic surgery offiices today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve excellent wrinkle reduction and anti-aging results.