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Facelift Recovery Guide – 2021 Edition
Facelift Recovery Timeline
Learn what to expect at every step along the way. When will you be off the couch? When can you wear makeup? When are you going to be 100%?
How Long Is Recovery?
You will need to give yourself plenty of time to recover after a facelift. Recovery from your facelift typically takes around two weeks
RECOVERY RESOURCES
What to expect after your facelift.
After your facelift, you may experience swelling and bruising after two days. However, this is part of the healing process. A little discomfort and pain are also expected, though prescribed medication can relieve it.
Facelift Recovery Timeline
learn all about your entire facelift recovery.
Day 1 Recovery
During this time, post-operative incision care and a high standard of personal hygiene must be observed to prevent infection. You can arrange for extra support from your family on your first night at home. At this time, medication is necessary to keep away pain and discomfort. It is also normal to feel unsteady and sleepy.
Day 2 Recovery
A follow-up from the surgeon should be done to remove tubes or stitches and evaluate incisions and swelling. The surgeon will redress the area if everything is okay.
Day 3 Recovery
At day 3 and 4, bruising and swelling is likely to be at its peak. You must remain as calm and lowkey as possible during this period. You are starting to feel great, and although you can move around the house, ensure you walk slowly.
Day 4-6 Recovery
From day 4, you are not likely to need pain medication any longer. Swelling will have reduced drastically, and you are permitted to do light duties. Remember to follow all your post-operative routines carefully. Ensure you sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling and promote healing
Week 2 Recovery
You are likely to have slight swelling and some minor bruising here and there. At this stage, patience is critical because the results of your facelift cannot be seen yet. Feelings of numbness and tightness may accompany swelling, but this is because your face is healing.
After week 2, you will feel ready to return to your regular duties and do light activities like walking. You can also take previously prohibited medicine such as aspirin which are blood thinners. However, make sure you consult with your surgeon.
Week 3 & 4 Recovery
At this point, you are feeling and looking much better. Real improvements in the facial contour are visible. You can get back to exercising and other outdoor activities without people taking much notice of the outward signs of the procedure.
1 Month Recovery
After one month, you are indeed through the hard part. You can indulge in strenuous activities such as moderate lifting. However, it is essential to pay attention to your body and approach things with caution. Patients who are cautious and follow the doctor’s post-operation care instructions proceed to get the best outcomes without any complications.
2 Month Recovery
In two months, all side effects should be almost entirely done. You can go back to your routine while enjoying your new refreshing look.
What can be done to improve recovery time?
Arnica has been proven to reduce swelling and bruising. Great skin care and a restful early recovery can really help your overall recovery. Doing too much early is often a cause of a delayed recovery. You will be excited when you come out of surgery – take it easy!
What if I keep smoking after facelift surgery?
Smoking is not great for you and is known to slow the healing process. We advise you to stop smoking if you can and know that smoking and recovery are not great together.
I want to go back to work and live a normal life - when can I work without looking like I just had a facelift?
Two weeks would be the earliest we recommend. It depends on your lifestyle. Make sure you’re not pulling your incisions or stressing out the surgery sites. If you stay still and take care of yourself many jobs can be resumed pretty quickly.
I want a discreet and private surgery. Should I travel from out of town?
Recovery in Atlanta is a great idea. Quality luxury accommodations are readily available and the Atlanta airport is literally the busiest in the world. Come here, stay a week and go home rejuvenated.
ATLANTA IS AN INTERNATIONAL HUB
FLY INTO ATLANTA FOR A DISCREET FACELIFT
how long will I have facial swelling after a facelift?
Swelling after a facelift is quite normal. Some people may heal quickly, while others who retain a little more fluid may take longer. Within the first two weeks after your facelift, you are expected to experience some form of swelling and bruising.
Though you might start to feel better during the second week, it is advised that you take a full two weeks off work or any physical activity to allow for rest and healing.
After 3-4 weeks, most of the swelling is expected to have subsided. At three months, 80% of the swelling is expected to have disappeared. During this time, swelling is not noticeable, and you are likely to feel at your best. After six months, 90% of it is expected to be gone. About 10% of the swelling may take up to a full year to entirely disappear.
When is the best time to show off my facelift result?
Between three to twelve weeks, most patients like the results that they are seeing. During this period, you may receive compliments from family and friends on how refreshing your face looks.
If you plan your facelift around an event, you must arrange with a surgeon on ideal dates. For example, if you want to look great for your wedding in June, you can begin the initial facelift consultations in February.
BRUISING AND SWELLING
How do I reduce post-operative swelling?
- Ensure you follow post-operative instructions from your surgeon – This will ensure smooth recovery without any complications.
- Apply cold compresses on any swelling to reduce discomfort while also promoting healing of the bruises.
- Drink lots of water – Water flushes your system and minimizes swelling and fluid retention.
- Keep your head high – Sleeping in an elevated position with one or two pillows will help reduce swelling by draining any fluid from your face.
- Wear a compression garment – You can wear a compression garment during the first two days after surgery. Not only do they minimize swelling, but they also promote healing and improve blood circulation.
- Gently massage the area – A gentle massage may help to promote the healing process.
MINI FACELIFT
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift is a minimally invasive procedure done on the cheeks and upper neck region. On the other hand, a full facelift is a surgical procedure that entails lifting and tightening facial tissues. Therefore, a mini facelift addresses the upper neck and jowls while a full facelift includes the whole neck and the midface.
MAKEUP AND CONCEALER
What are some makeup and coverup tips after a facelift?
Your surgeon will most likely recommend waiting for seven days before starting to put on make-up. Immediate use of make-up after your facelift could lead to irritation in the areas near incisions. Applying makeup too soon could interfere with healing due to the pulling of the skin.
Due to the delicate nature of the skin a week or so after surgery, you should choose make-up that is gentle and can be removed easily. Thus, water-based mineral makeup is the best choice compared to oil-based makeup, which can be more challenging to remove.
Bruising may take weeks to completely fade away after your facelift. If you are concerned about the bruising after your facelift, you should look for makeup that lets you build up. This kind of makeup is designed specifically to conceal bruising.
Great Facelift Surgery Starts
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