A Timeline for Facelift Recovery: What Patients Can Expect as They Heal
Dr. Patricia Berbari has helped countless patients enhance their appearance through the latest in facial rejuvenation techniques at her practice in Gatineau. One of the most popular options for facial rejuvenation is the facelift, which reduces wrinkles and tighten skins to reverse the signs of aging.
The facelift has proven effective for years, and it remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments in the world. Let's take a moment right now to consider the recovery process and timeline for facelift surgery so you have realistic expectations about the procedure.
What to Expect In the First 24 to 48 Hours After Facelift
In the first day or two after a facelift, soreness, bruising, and swelling are all normal. It's important that patients get a lot of rest with their head elevated and to avoid sleeping on their side. Any bending, stretching, or lifting should be avoided early on as this can affect the results of the surgery. To address any post-operative pain, patients should take their pain medication as recommended.
In addition to avoiding strenuous physical activity, the following should be avoided early on as you heal:
- Smoking
- Alcoholic beverages
- Makeup
- Earrings
- Swimming
- Using blow dryers
- Sexual activity
What Patients Experience in the First Week After Facelift
Within the first week after surgery, patients will have returned to the practice for a follow-up visit. Any sutures or stitches will likely be removed by this time. Additional recommendations for healing can be made at this time based on the patient's overall condition.
What Patients Experience One Month After Facelift and Beyond
Within the first month, patients will have returned to work and a number of normal activities that they would do every day. Swelling will have subsided significantly by this point, though it may last for a few months simply given the nature of surgery.
In the months ahead, the results of the facelift will continue to improve and normalize, with any numbness and tingling around the incision sites abating with time. Scars will generally continue to fade over the course of the year, though this can vary from patient to patient.
How to Improve Treatment Time and Healing Experience
The sure way to improve your overall treatment time and healing experience for a facelift is to follow your pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the letter. These instructions provide optimal conditions for healing that are free from complications.
In addition to following your instructions to the letter, we recommend the following for the healing process:
- Wear sun protection when outdoors (i.e., sunblock, sunglasses, a hat with a brim)
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms for several months after facelift
- Avoid consuming alcohol for a few months after surgery
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products
- Eat healthy and stay well-hydrated
Stay In Contact with Dr. Berbari as You Heal
In those first few weeks after your facelift, it's a good idea to stay in close contact with Dr. Berbari and the staff. This will allow you to have urgent needs addressed as soon as possible. Even though you will have a few follow-up visits in the first month, having urgent concerns addressed as soon as possible is ideal for short-term success and great long-term results.
Schedule a Consultation for Facial Plastic Surgery
For more information about facelift surgery as well as other options that are available for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and helping you look years younger, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery centre today. When you meet with Dr. Patricia Berbari, you will be able to learn more about all of your options for advanced aesthetic enhancement and anti-aging treatment.