Before you have facelift surgery, it's important that you understand what the recovery process entails. Sure, having a facelift can tighten up sagging skin and eliminate any visible signs of aging. However, a facelift won't change your appearance overnight. Learn what to expect while you're recovering so you don't get discouraged when you don't see the results you expected immediately.
Immediately After Your Surgery
When your surgery is over, your face will probably feel tight and tender. There's also a good chance that you'll have drainage tubes inserted close to the incision points. Many people find the tubes scary. However, they are there to help the healing process progress quickly by draining excess fluid and blood from the area. Additionally, you can expect your face to be bandaged, and depending on the method used to complete the procedure, you might not be able to see much of your face.
It's common for doctors to prescribe antibiotics to patients after facelift surgery to help prevent unwanted infections. Your doctor will probably also prescribe medication to help relieve any pain that you're feeling. Before you leave the hospital, you should discuss your medications, pain levels, and aftercare instructions with your surgeon to make sure you understand what you need to do to once you're back at home.
Recovery Tips
You should follow any aftercare instructions that doctor and/or your cosmetic surgery concierge give you to the T so that you heal as quickly as possible. There are also several other things that you'll want to do or avoid to make recovery easier, including:
- Elevate your head while you sleep to help reduce your swelling and allow excess fluid to continually drain.
- Avoid brushing and washing your hair until your surgeon says it's okay. You don't want to damage any of the incisions sitting at your hairline.
- Don't bend over or do anything else that could cause your blood to rush to your head.
- Move around as much as you can to keep your blood circulating.
Also, you should consider asking your doctor if it's okay to use ice packs on your face to help reduce any swelling.
Bruising, Numbness, and Swelling
Bruising, numbness, and swelling are common after facelift surgery. It will mostly subside within the first three weeks. However, it's possible that you'll still see swelling in specific areas of your face three or four weeks after your surgery. In fact, it could take up to 12 months for all of the bruising, numbness, and swelling to disappear. The good news is, once you've reached your 30-day-post-op mark, any bruising, numbness, and swelling that you have will be so subtle that you'll most likely be the only person who sees it.
Recovering from facelift surgery takes patience. If you have any questions about the process, it's important to discuss them with your cosmetic surgery concierge or your surgeon directly before your surgery. Contact businesses like Newport Center for Special Surgery for more information.
