Facelifts are a safe and effective way of naturally rejuvenating your appearance. To help you prepare for your surgery, here’s what you need to know about facelift recovery and aftercare.
One of the most common, yet distressing, parts of aging is a loss of youthful facial contours, whether that’s due to stress, genetics, or other environmental conditions. A facelift is one of the most popular and effective cosmetic surgeries that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck.
You may want to consider a facelift if you are developing:
- deep creases above or below your eyelids
- wrinkles along your nose, extending downwards to the mouth
- double chin, caused by loose skin and excess fatty deposits
- jowls
Customized Facial Surgery in Edmonton
Modern facelift techniques are more advanced than ever, capable of making patients look years younger in a natural and healthy way. Dr. Ladak has extensive training in facelifts, and other cosmetic facial procedures and skin treatments, to help you regain your youthful glow.
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Facelift Recovery: What to Expect
As with all cosmetic surgeries, a facelift procedure does involve quite an extensive recovery period. Knowing what to expect after your procedure, and following your plastic surgeon’s after-care instructions is crucial to ensuring you get the safest and most satisfactory results.
Immediately after a facelift procedure, you should expect the following temporary symptoms:
- itchy skin
- facial tightness or tenderness
- swelling
- some intermittent shooting pain
Additionally:
- Some plastic surgeons may apply a large dressing to your treatment area to reduce swelling.
- Draining tubes may be used to remove any excess blood.
- If your facial surgery was performed on an outpatient basis, you’ll need a trusted family member or friend to drive you home.
Facelift Aftercare: Week-By-Week Guide
To help you take care of your skin and health during your facelift recovery, here is a week-by-week aftercare guide:
Week 1
During the first week after your surgery, you must rest as much as possible. You should expect your face to be bandaged for 1-2 days and your stitches will typically be removed after 7 days.
You will also experience some bruising and swelling in the treatment area, but this will gradually improve over the course of the week. Your activities should be limited.
Aftercare Tip for Week 1
By keeping your head elevated (sleeping propped up by pillows or sitting in a recliner), you will significantly reduce any swelling.
Week 2
During this week, you will typically be able to resume your day-to-day activities and most patients are able to return to work by day 10. However, if you do have a job that requires strenuous lifting or activity, then it may be wise to wait a little longer before returning.
Swelling and bruising: While patients may still have some swelling and bruising, this will be much less pronounced.
Aftercare TIp for Week 2
During week 2, you may be able to resume taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications. For the safest results, ALWAYS check with your plastic surgeon before restarting any medicines you stopped prior to the procedure.
Week 3
At this time, you should be settling back quite comfortably into your regular routine. By week 4, you’ll be able to start your full exercise regime but always talk to your doctor before you jump back into a full workout.
During this time, your incisions will start to become less noticeable, and while there may be slight residual bruising and swelling, your face will be back to normal. At this point, you can also resume sleeping on your stomach.
Aftercare TIp for Week 3-4
Taking good care of your skin in the weeks and months after your facelift is essential to ensure the best results. For a few weeks, stay out of the sun and always use sun protection when you’re outside.
Call Today
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our facelift procedure, and how our plastic surgeons help you achieve the safest and best results, contact Dr. Ladak at 780-407-6691 or fill in our online contact form.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
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