Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to eliminate or reduce the visible signs of facial and neck aging. This surgery can significantly enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. However, the recovery process is critical to achieving the best possible results. We hope this blog will help patients understand what to expect after facelift surgery.
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Your Facelift Surgery Recovery Timeline
While facelift results can be transformative, understanding the recovery timeline is crucial for anyone considering this surgery. This blog will guide you through the facelift recovery process so you will know what to expect, from immediately after surgery to long-term healing and the final results.
Before Your Facelift Procedure
Recovery from surgery actually starts well before the procedure!
Tanning and sunbathing must be avoided for at least two weeks before surgery, and smoking is prohibited. Minimizing the chances of bleeding after surgery and adverse healing of the skin is directly linked to both of these issues. Medical clearance by your primary physician and assurance of good psychological health are also essential for safety and a smooth recovery. All our patients begin a healing-promotion supplement program two weeks before surgery.
Immediately After Your Facelift
Following your facelift surgery, you will awake in a recovery room, where medical personnel will observe you. Any grogginess will diminish as the anesthesia wears off, and you will need a friend or family member to drive you to stay in the dedicated recovery facility Dr. Butler has available as an option to patients. Some patients are permitted to return home with a stay-in registered nurse.
Here’s what to expect in the recovery room:
- Initial Discomfort: After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Our patients are usually surprised that this is much less than they anticipated. Medication is prescribed for comfort and tailored to the individual needs.
- Dressings and Garments: Your face will be covered with bandages to minimize swelling and support the new facial contours. Drainage tubes behind the ears are rarely necessary. If placed, they will be simply removed within a few days post-surgery.
Facelift Recovery – Week One
During your first week after your facelift, limiting your activity and getting lots of sleep is key. Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous activities, as these actions can increase blood flow to your face and exacerbate swelling.
- Follow-up Visit: You are seen by Dr. Butler the morning after surgery, and dressings are lightened. Your next follow-up appointment is scheduled at the office within the first week of surgery. During your follow-up visit, Dr. Butler will evaluate your healing progress and clarify your post-care instructions.
- Pain Management: Take any medications as directed. Before taking supplements, over-the-counter medications, or newly prescribed medications, consult your surgeon.
- Wound Care: Keep the incisions clean, and follow your surgeon’s instructions on changing dressings.
Facelift Recovery – Weeks Two to Four
You should be feeling better as you enter the second week of recovery and have very little discomfort by week four.
- Gradually Increase Activity: At the end of your first week of recovery, you can gradually increase your activity level. Short, gentle walks promote circulation. But, it’s important to refrain from physically demanding activities and those that involve bending over or straining.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising will begin to subside, but it is normal for some swelling to persist for several weeks. Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses when directed to reduce swelling. Special anti-oxidant, vitamin, and anti-bruising supplements are used with our patients to speed their recovery.
- Incision Care: While facelift incisions are typically hidden in the hairline or natural creases of the ear, cleansing and lubricating ointment application early on is very beneficial. Incision-fading creams are discussed with you by Dr. Butler’s staff.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Surgery and recovery have a significant effect on both the body and the mind. Having someone you trust to talk to about any anxiety you are experiencing is highly beneficial.
Facelift Recovery – Months Two and Three
In most cases, more demanding activities can begin at week six, and by then, you can expect to clearly see your facial enhancements or “close to final results.”
- Returning to Regular Activities: Most patients can resume their daily activities and low-impact exercise within three to four weeks. However, do not perform any strenuous activities or heavy lifting until your plastic surgeon clears you to do so. Return to social activities in three weeks is typical.
- Stay Vigilant: Keep following your surgeon’s instructions and report any alarming symptoms, such as swelling, increasing redness, discharge, or other unusual signs on your face and neck.
Your Final Facelift Results
Over the next several weeks, your face will continue to heal and appear more youthful. Your final facelift results will become more apparent as residual swelling subsides and the tissues heal completely.
Top 5 Tips for a Productive Facelift Recovery
The following cannot be overemphasized, as the quality of your results depends on your commitment to a healthy recovery. These tips can help you avoid complications and ensure the best possible results.
- Follow Post-operative Instructions: Strict adherence to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential for a positive recovery and ideal results. This includes wound care, taking medication as directed, and restricting physical activities.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Take special care to protect your face from harmful UV rays for six months or as your surgeon advises.
- Balanced Diet and Hydration: Maintaining a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water helps the body’s healing ability.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol can interfere with your healing process and increase the risk of complications. Avoiding alcohol and nicotine for at least six weeks after your facelift will lower your risks and help ensure optimal results.
- Stay Positive and Patient: Recovery from facelift surgery takes time. Having patience and staying positive is important throughout the process. Everyone heals differently, and it may take several months to see the final results.
Why Follow-up Care After Your Facelift Is Crucial
Visiting Dr. Butler’s office for scheduled follow-up appointments is integral to your facelift recovery. To achieve your desired results, he and his staff must be able to monitor your healing progress, adjust medications or care instructions, and address any issues that may arise.
Santa Monca Facelifts With a Double Board-Certified Surgeon
Dr. David Butler knows that every individual’s recovery journey is unique. He is dedicated to delivering excellent results safely and tailoring your surgical plan to meet your specific needs and goals.
One of the few plastic surgeons who offers a dedicated recovery facility, Dr. Butler provides facelift surgery in Santa Monica with fully staffed and compassionate medical professionals to care for you during the first few days following your procedure. Call our office at (310) 428-0033 to schedule your consultation with our double-board-certified plastic surgeon and learn more about your facelift options in Santa Monica, CA.