Facelift Plastic Surgery 

Recovery is a critical part of the facelift cosmetic surgery procedure. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions to the patient for post-op care.

The patient should be ready to follow the instructions diligently in order to achieve the best outcomes. Estimated recovery period will be discussed during the pre-op consultation, and the patient will have adequate time to prepare for it in advance.

Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing facelift and various other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Kaufman will discuss all aspects of the recovery during the initial pre-op phase, and help the patient to make well-considered decisions. Patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive facelift from Dr. Kaufman.

Immediate Post-Surgical Phase

Once the facelift cosmetic surgery is over, the patient will be kept under observation for a few hours until the anesthesia effect is gone. The patient’s face will be covered in bandages to support early healing. Temporary drainage tubes will be placed beneath the skin in the incision areas to prevent fluid buildup.

Patients can use prescription pain meds in the first three to five days to stay comfortable. Bathing or showering should be avoided until the surgeon allows. The patient should keep the head in a raised position for the first few days of the recovery phase.

First Week

Some amount of bruising, swelling, and soreness is inevitable in the first week in the incision areas. The patient should rest at home during this time, but may perform short walks and light activities. Drain tubes and sutures will be removed in about one week. During the first week, the patient should:

• Keep the bandages clean and dry
• Empty the drainage as instructed
• Avoid wetting the face until the surgeon allows
• Apply cool compresses around the eyes
• Visit the surgeon on the scheduled day for first follow-up

Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.

Subsequent Weeks

From the second week onwards, the bruising will resolve quickly, but swelling will disappear gradually over several weeks or months. Most patients can go back to their regular routine or return to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days after a full traditional facelift.

Some restrictions will remain in force in the initial weeks, which may include:

• Maintaining the head in an elevated position for two weeks
• No smoking for a certain period as advised by the surgeon
• Avoiding vigorous activities and exercises for three weeks
• Avoiding swimming and sauna for about one month
• Not using certain types of makeup for one month

Full Recovery

To ensure safe and complete recovery, the patient should visit the surgeon for follow up appointments as scheduled. They should promptly inform the surgeon in case any signs of abnormality or post-op complications are noticed. Swelling will resolve as the recovery progresses over several weeks, and the full effects of the facelift will appear.

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.