Recovery is an important aspect of facelift cosmetic surgery. The patient should take the recovery seriously and follow the surgeon’s instructions diligently in order to achieve optimal results. During the initial consultations, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of facelift, including the estimated recovery.
Dr. Bram Kaufman is a leading board certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of training and experience in the field. Dr. Kaufman will address all questions and concerns of the patient related to recovery and provide the best guidance for safer and faster recovery. He offers facelift to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other areas.
Immediate Post-Op Phase
The patient is likely to experience mild after-effects of anesthesia for a few hours following the facelift cosmetic surgery. Therefore, they should arrange for someone to drive them back home after the procedure. The head will be covered in bandages initially, and mild pain and soreness may be felt in the incision areas. Pain medications can be used to maintain comfort in the first few days.
During the first week following the facelift surgery, the patient should plan on keeping a relatively light schedule. Mild walking and moving about is encouraged, but they may arrange for someone to help with daily chores such as cooking and cleaning for the first week. Working people should take time off from work in the first week, and allow the initial healing to be completed before they return to work.
First Two Weeks after Facelift
Post-operative swelling and bruising will be more visible in the first week, but will reduce considerably from the second week. Complete swelling will be eliminated over several weeks, but mild make-up may be used from the second week to maintain a discreet appearance. Numbness and skin discoloration in the treated areas may also persist for the first two weeks.
The incisions and dressings should be kept dry until the surgeon allows the patient to shower freely. The head should be kept in an elevated position in the first two weeks with minimal mobility in order to expedite healing. At the end of the first week, the plastic surgeon may remove the sutures. The initial results of facelift will become apparent once the sutures are removed.
Time Involved in Recovery
Total healing time in facelift surgery will vary depending on the extent of surgery performed. In a traditional facelift or a mid-facelift procedure, most patients may be able to resume their regular activities in about one week to 10 days. A patient who has received an endoscopic facelift may require less than a week for recovery. A “weekend facelift” recovery period may be as little as three days.
Heavy lifting of weights or vigorous exercises should be avoided for about four weeks following a facelift. Wearing facial jewelry or blow-drying the hair may have to be avoided for a longer time. Smoking, alcohol, sauna, and steam bath may have to be avoided for a few months. Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH and nearby locations for facelift surgery.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.