Facelift Recovery

Be Patient

This may be the most important thing of all, and it begins with understanding the process you have begun. It will take at least three weeks for you to be able to return to your normal activities and somewhat longer before you will be comfortable with being seen in public. It’s best to embrace this reality and allow things to slow down during this period. You’ve taken an exciting step and you will get where you wanted to go. You just need to let your body heal on its own time schedule.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

If you are asked to sleep with your head elevated, do so. Restrict your activities as requested. Your recovery will only be prolonged and made less comfortable if you fail to adhere to the specific guidelines for aftercare, especially resting as much and for as long as required.

Don’t Put Yourself Under A Microscope

Your scars can take a year to heal fully, but within a month after your procedure it’s not likely that others will notice that you’ve had surgery. Don’t torture yourself by thinking that they are looking for, or even able to perceive, subtle changes in a face that you have scrutinized in detail for years.

Immediately After Your Facelift

You will experience the most noticeable effects on the first day. As is the case any time a patient receives general anesthesia, you’re likely to feel groggy when you awaken. You will have a large wrapping around your face and you may have a drain to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. This first day will be the most painful, though you will have medication to keep you comfortable, so this shouldn’t be a problem. It is important that you have the support of a friend or family member to assist you on this day.

The First Days

Your first bandage and drains (if any) will be removed on the second day. By the third day, you’ll be able get more active, and walking aids in circulation and healing. You will notice the most swelling during these first three days, but be assured that this is normal and you will begin to see it reduce by the fifth day.

During his period, you may have wraps removed, and even some stitches. You will be asked to wear a compression garment on your face for up to ten days. By day six, any remaining stitches will be removed.

Week Two

During the second week after your surgery, you will still notice some swelling and bruising. You may experience unusual sensations on your face such as tingling, burning, numbness, etc. These are all normal aftereffects. By the end of this week, you should start to feel like yourself again.

Weeks Three And Four

Now you’re entering the home stretch. While you might still have some swelling, you’ll notice improvements in the appearance of your scars. You’ll be able to resume most of your usual activities, and by week four you will be ready to appear in public again.

After the First Month

The most difficult part of your recovery will be behind you after the first month, but there’s still a possibility you may experience some swelling or unusual skin sensation for as long as a year. As the months pass, your scars will become less and less visible – to you, that is. It’s not likely anyone else will be aware of them far before that time.