Face Lift Surgery Recovery

Facelift plastic surgery involves the complex anatomy of the face. Therefore, the operating surgeon must ensure facial balance and harmony during this intricate procedure.

During the procedure, the surgeon lifts the skin off the face and tightens weakened underlying tissue and muscles as well as removes excess skin. For this reason, facelift surgery involves a significant recovery process.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

The Day of the Procedure

Patients will generally have bandages on their faces. In addition, there may be some drain tubes, depending on the extent of the surgery. Patients who have these tubes should expect drainage for a minimum of 48 hours.

The plastic surgeon will provide guidelines on drainage tube cleaning and management. In general, patients experience inflammation and discomfort, especially during the first day after the procedure. However, these symptoms can usually be controlled with over the counter or prescription pain medications.

Week One

In the initial week after the facelift surgery, patients should focus on healing and avoid vigorous activities. But they should not remain sedentary all the time and perform gentle walks around the room every few hours to promote blood flow and prevent blood clots.

Patients will usually return to the surgeon’s office five to seven days after their procedure to have their sutures taken out. Patients can undertake the following apart from following the specific guidelines from their surgeons:

• Wear bandages and change them routinely
• Clean and manage the drain tubes, as instructed
• Return for the scheduled post-op appointment to have the drainage tubes removed
• Avoid using water on their faces
• Apply cold compresses on their eyes

Subsequent Weeks

While the bruising and inflammation may persist for several weeks after facelift surgery, the outcomes of the surgery will start establishing as the recovery progresses.

A majority of patients feel well enough to step out of the house in around two weeks after the facelift. However, there will still be some restrictions, and the patient should follow their surgeon’s guidelines in a committed manner. Specifically, they should:

• Sleep with their heads in an elevated position for the initial two weeks after the procedure.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects and other aggressive activities until the surgeon specifies otherwise
• Not use hot tubs, saunas, and pools
• Avoid consuming alcohol and using aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds until the surgeon instructs otherwise
• Not wear makeup until the surgeon approves doing so

Full Recovery

The patient should attend all follow-up consultations with their surgeon in the weeks and months after the facelift cosmetic surgery. On top of this, they should cautiously monitor their progress and promptly inform their surgeon if they notice any indications of post-operative complications.

The outcomes of the facelift may become apparent only after several weeks. But as the recovery progresses and inflammation dissipates, the patient should begin to notice a more youthful, alert appearance emerge.

Realistic Expectations

As the outcomes of the surgery usually take many weeks to manifest, some patients may experience disappointment or depression right after the facelift procedure.

The effects of the surgery may not be apparent initially due to the puffiness, bruising, and other temporary side effects associated with a facelift procedure. This can make the recovery phase a trying time for the patient.

The patient can use makeup after one or two weeks to conceal skin discoloration. Most of the inflammation should resolve within 12 to 14 days while the scars will slowly fade away over time.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for facelift.For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.