The History of Facelift Surgery: From Early Techniques to Modern Advances
The face is one of the most expressive and visible parts of the human body. Over time, changes in…
The recovery period after the facelift surgery can be tricky, if you are not aware of the things you need to do and the others you need to avoid.
To get optimal results after your facelift surgery, make sure you choose a highly experienced plastic surgeon. Dr Michael Kernohan is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon performing the procedure in Sydney and Southwest Suburbs.
In this blog, Dr Kernohan shares some of his facelift recovery tips and a timeline for what to expect after facelift surgery.
So you wake up and you don’t remember a thing about the facelift? It’s pretty normal. You might feel a bit groggy and nauseous from anaesthesia. Your face will be covered in bandages. In certain cases, the surgeon may use drainage tubes to drain excess fluid.
Your surgeon might keep you in for a day to ensure everything is fine. Make sure that you have someone to drive you home after the facelift surgery. It is advised to ask a family member or a friend to stay with you for at least the first two days after surgery.
Once the pain killer wears off, you will begin to feel mild pain and a certain level of discomfort. The medical staff will give you painkillers after the surgery.
You will feel uncomfortable but will not feel any significant pain. However, keep taking your pain medication on time. Swelling and bruising feel more pronounced during the first few days after the surgery. Do not worry as it is a fairly normal part of facelift recovery. You will not see the results of the facelift in the initial days of the surgery. It is also very common to experience tightness around the neck area. Facelift surgery involves tightening up your skin. Hence, it will take some time for your face to relax and adjust to the changes.
Most people become anxious during this phase of recovery. Try to stay calm. It will help the recovery phase go by quicker. If you can, get someone to help you with the house chores for the initial days of recovery and rest as much as possible.
Once you feel a little better, you can start walking around the house. It will help prevent blood clotting. Avoid all kinds of activities that involve physical exertion for at least a month.
One week after the surgery, you can stop taking pain medication after discussing it with your surgeon. You will slowly start to feel better than you did immediately after the surgery. Start taking ten to fifteen-minute walks around the house twice a day. You will still have swelling and bruising all around your face and neck area. Patience is the key to a smooth recovery. You are probably eager to see the final results of the surgery. But hang in there, you are getting there. Keep sleeping on your back with your head in an elevated position. You can also use ice to reduce swelling on your face. Make sure to wrap it up in a towel and apply it for a few minutes at a time.
So, you have hit the two-week mark, you have crossed an important milestone of your facelift recovery. You can return to work if your job is not physically demanding. If it is, you might still want to stay at home for another two weeks. Bruising and swelling will reduce significantly by week two.
As the numbness fades away, you might start to feel minor tingling sensations around the incisions. At this point, you can resume taking supplements or blood-thinning medications. You will also feel the urge to scratch your incisions, avoid it at all costs. Keep applying the topical ointments your surgeon has given you.
Your recovery has almost come to an end. You will be able to do almost all the tasks around your house along with gentle exercises. However, you should avoid heavy lifting as well as strenuous exercises. Bruising might be completely gone by week two. You can easily go out in public without wearing makeup. Some patients also report tingling and tightness. It is very normal and you shouldn’t worry about it. Essentially, you will begin to feel like yourself.
Congratulations! You have finally reached the end of your recovery period. At this point, you can return to your normal life. You can start with your usual exercise routine.
Preparation is the key to a smooth recovery. The more help you can get around the house, the better it is. With that being said, the right preparation will still save you a lot of trouble and allow you to heal quickly. Here are a few things you need to do in advance:
Disclaimer: All surgical or invasive procedures come with inherent risks, and results can vary widely between individuals due to factors like lifestyle, anatomy, overall health, weight, and nutrition. We encourage you to conduct thorough research and consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified healthcare provider.
Here are a few signs you should look out for during recovery. If any of these persist, you must call your surgeon right away.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about facelift recovery: