Facelift Recovery – Suppose you wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and don’t like what you’re seeing? The sad truth is that the more you age, the more likely you will experience some changes on your face. The once youthful and vibrant face may now look old and saggy. Luckily, a facelift helps do the trick by tightening facial tissues. Let’s explore what facelift Beverly Hills offers you and what to expect on the recovery journey.
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What’s a Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic procedure performed on the lower face and neck. Its main purpose is to rejuvenate the face and reduce aging signs.
The process involves:
- Removing excess facial skin
- Tightening the underlying tissues and muscles
- Adding autologous fats to fill deep wrinkles
It’s imperative to get help from a qualified plastic surgeon if you’re thinking of getting a facelift.
That’s the only way to be certain you’ll achieve the results you’re seeking, besides avoiding complications.
What About Facelift Recovery?
Since a facelift is a surgical procedure, it’ll result in some downtime before you can resume normal day-to-day activities. Full recovery may take between four and six weeks. During the recovery period, you should stay hydrated and avoid any strenuous activity that may increase your blood pressure, which can prolong swelling. It’s also wise to shield your surgical dressing from moisture to deter infections.
Here is what you should expect during the different stages of your facelift recovery:
Week 1
On day one after the surgery, you may feel unsteady and sleepy following the anesthesia and surgical incisions. You might have to take medication to relieve the pain and the discomfort. Arrange for someone to drive you home and take care of you, at least for that first night.
When day two arrives, your surgeon may need you to go for your first follow-up. The plastic surgeon will remove your surgical dressings and assess your incisions and swelling. If all is well, they’ll redress the area and send you home. Note that swelling and bruising may still be pronounced, so you may still be under medication prescriptions.
Day three and four post-operation often comes with good news, as you can move about easily and may even feel better. And as week one ends between the fourth and seventh day, the swelling may subside, and your comfort level might increase. You could work on some light chores at this point.
Week 2
There could be little swelling left at the incision area, and you may also experience some numbness, tightness, and tingling. That’s usually common and shouldn’t cause concern. At the end of this week, you may be well enough to return to work.
Week 3 and 4
You may have to visit the surgeon during the third week after the facelift procedure. Here, the medical practitioner will remove the sutures.
You’re likely to feel much better now, and the look you envisioned may start to show. For instance, you could start seeing real improvements in your facial contours. The incision area may be pinkish-red which fades over time, and surgical bruises and swelling may be long gone. Your surgeon may clear you to exercise, run your daily errands, and return to work fully while rocking your new look.
When to Call Your Doctor?
If the facelift recovery isn’t as smooth as you hoped for, check in with your doctor.
Some uncomfortable signs you may experience are:
- Increased bleeding
- Substantial swelling on one side of the face
- Puss (discharge) and foul smells from the incision area
- Fevers or temperatures above 100 degrees