How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Facelift

Some of the most substantial and durable anti-aging therapies currently available is surgical facelifting. It does, however, entail a longer recovery time than other less intrusive therapies, which is the trade-off. At Dr. George Brennan – Cosmetic Surgeon Newport Beach, Dr. Brennan can resume all of their normal activities the day after surgery.

What Exactly is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical operation used to make the face appear younger. Skin sagging could be cut down by the technique. Additionally, this can help lessen chin-area skin wrinkles and cheeks. An alternative term for a facelift is a rhytidectomy.

A piece of skin is slid back from every side of the face during a face-lift. Loose skin is removed, and tissues beneath the skin are modified. The face is given a much more attractive shape as a result.

A face-lift frequently includes a neck lift. It thins out the neck’s fat and loose skin.

Sun damage, such as wrinkles and fine lines, cannot be repaired by a facelift. Various cosmetic procedures may improve the appearance and thickness or tightness of the skin.

What to expect

Either an outpatient surgery clinic or a hospital can perform a facelift. We perform the facelift procedures right in our office.

Before surgery

Sometimes sedation as well as local anesthesia are used during the treatment to numb only a portion of your body. In other circumstances, general anesthesia, which induces a condition of sleepiness, is advised.

During the operation

Generally speaking, a face-lift entails lifting the skin as well as tightening the muscles and tissues. It is possible to shift, remove, or sculpt the fat in the face and neck. The entire face is then once again wrapped over the freshly realigned facial outlines. Once extra skin has been removed, the wound gets stitched or taped tight.

The technique to be employed during the treatment will determine the incisions, as well as the patient’s preferences. Options consist of:

• A conventional face-lift incision begins in the hairline near your temples. Along the front of the ears, it continues to descend. It finishes in the lower scalp, behind the ears. To enhance the appearance of your neck, a cut may be done beneath the chin.
• A minimal incision starts in the hairline, just above the ear, and is smaller. Although it traverses the entire way through into the lower scalp, it just goes around the front of the ear.
• Neck lift incision begins before the earlobe. This continues into the lower scalp after round the ear. Additionally, a tiny incision is created beneath the chin.

Typically, a facelift requires around 2 hours in our office. This is not normal. Most doctors take between 3 and 6 hours to fully complete a facelift! If other cosmetic treatments are carried out concurrently, the time may be extended.

Following the procedure

Following a facelift, you might feel:

• mild to medium discomfort
• drainage coming from the wounds
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Numbness

Bandages will probably be used to conceal the incisions. Bandages apply light pressure to reduce bruising and swelling. To drain extra blood or fluid, a tiny tube may be inserted beneath the skin behind both ears.

In the initial days following surgery:

• Raise your head when you sleep.
• Take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.
• Ice packs can be used to reduce the swelling and relieve pain in the face.

Risks and Complications

You must consider the risks as well as possible problems of facelift surgery against the possible benefits in achieving your objectives when choosing whether to have plastic surgery. The only person who has the authority to make decisions for themselves is you.

To demonstrate that you’re aware of all of the risks and possible side effects involved with the treatment, you will be needed to sign consent documentation.

Here is the list of risks to keep in mind. Despite being rare, in fact, our office has not seen any of these risks except bruising and swelling—facelift risks may include:

• Anesthesia implications
• Bruising
• Deep vein thrombosis, heart problems, and lung problems
• Facial nerve damage and weakened muscles
• Fluid buildup
• Infection
• Constant discomfort
• Numbness, tingling or any other changes in the skin’s sensation
• Slow healing of wounds and skin deterioration
• Bruising and abnormalities of the skin
• Sutures could spontaneously break through the skin, become obvious or make you uncomfortable that needs to be eliminated.
• Short-term or long-term hair loss around the incisions
• Scarring that isn’t favorable
• Inadequate outcomes may include asymmetry, unsatisfying surgical scar placement, and intolerable visible abnormalities at the incision ends.

Prior to granting your permission, all dangers, including this one, shall be made known in a clear manner. You must consult the plastic surgeon to answer your questions up front and we are happy to answer any questions that you may have.

How Long Does It Take To Recover from a Facelift?

The length of time needed to recuperate completely after a facelift can change based on the patient’s age, health in general, and the extent of the procedure. Patients should typically be feeling able to resume their regular daily activities after two weeks, although they should wait at least a month before beginning any vigorous exercise. However, in our office, patients are generally able to resume their normal activities the very next day after the procedure.

How the Recovery Period Might Look

You might require more time off work than someone with a “desk job” if your job requires more physical labor. Your plastic surgeon will ultimately decide when you are ready to return to your regular activities, which in our office is generally the very next day.

The First Week Following Surgery

Patients should get lots of relaxation and sleep during the first week following surgery because this is a crucial healing period. Patients should ideally receive assistance at home for the first day.

Planning beforehand might greatly ease your life as you recover if you don’t have a lot of help at home. For instance, it’s a good idea to have certain meals prepared in advance and ready to thaw as needed. Prior to surgery, finish all of your housekeeping, projects, and errands to lessen your post-surgical workload.

Week Two Following Surgery

Even while you might feel a lot more like yourself during week two and perhaps have more energy, it’s still crucial to avoid overdoing it. Don’t do strenuous exercises like going to the gym or lifting a heavy child! Around this period, your stitches should start to come out, but you still need to take precautions with your incisions. You are free to continue taking painkillers throughout this second week. However, many individuals switch to over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.

The third week following surgery

Patients typically resume their jobs at this point, if their job is strenuous, and start doing some more strenuous physical activity.

At this point, you could still have some scarring, but your hair will easily hide this. These pink lines may soon turn white and become barely perceptible within a few weeks.

A month after surgery

Patients are often considered almost totally recovered and capable of doing everything they did prior to surgery one month after surgery. Most patients claim that this will be the period at which they may start to truly enjoy their enhanced appearance and resume all of their fun activities with no problems whatsoever.

The End Results

A facelift will look great even the next day after the procedure. However, it does take a bit of time to settle, which is why we advise patients to wait a few months following their treatment before expecting their “overall result.” It doesn’t imply that the patient won’t look well for a while or that the healing process will take that long.

All we ask is that patients have reasonable expectations regarding the recovery process. Compared to a non-invasive procedure, a facelift does need a lengthier time commitment to recovery, but the outcomes are worthwhile.

Patients’ Options to Quicken the Healing Process

There are steps you can do to make sure your recovery is as seamless and painless as possible. A patient may heal considerably more quickly than others who don’t take proper care of themselves and diligently adhere to their surgeon’s recommendations. Any patient can take a few simple steps to take care of their fresh facelift so they can return to their regular lives as soon as feasible.

Wound Treatment

It is crucial to keep your incision sites as dry and clean as you can during the first days after you return home, since they will be extremely sensitive. Replace these bandages at least once a day, and gently wash the area around any incisions with a clean cloth that has been dipped in saline or a mild soapy solution. The intention is to treat the incision sites as gently as possible, so avoid using any abrasive cleansers or alcohol-based products.

Keep Your Head High

During the first week, it’s essential that you keep your head elevated to allow any fluids to drain correctly. During this period, some patients choose to nap in a recliner; alternatively, you can use pillows to raise yourself up in bed. Make sure that there is a cushion on either side of you when you’re sleeping in bed so that you don’t turn over onto your face. As it heals, your face needs to be as relaxed as possible.

Hydration and Nourishment

Your diet can have a significant impact on how quickly you recover from any surgical treatment. You’ll feel better and heal faster if you consume a lot of proteins, fruits, and veggies. It’s crucial to consume atleast 8 glasses of water every day, because even minimal dehydration might slow down the healing process.

Rest and mild exercise

Rest is obviously crucial, especially in the first week following surgery, but you should also schedule daily time to get up and move around. You should avoid spending the entire day seated or lying down to ensure that your blood is moving effectively throughout your body. When getting up to use the bathroom, all that is required is a little walk around the house. It is not necessary to overdo it.

Avoiding sun Exposure

Although spending quite so much sun exposure is not a good idea for your skin, it’s especially crucial to protect your face against UV rays while you’re healing from cosmetic surgery. Simply remain in the shade or wear a hat if you want to go outside to get some fresh air.

Remember that until the sutures have recovered, you must not put sunscreen on your face. Applying sunscreen around your face whenever you are outdoors is a wonderful anti-aging technique that will assist to prolong the effects of your facelift once you’re further into the healing process.

Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes

If you smoked before your operation, your doctor ideally encouraged you to stop at most until you have fully recovered. Smoking can impair circulation and lead to issues both during surgery and the recovery period. Alcohol must also be avoided during your recovery, especially if you’re still taking painkillers. Also, when used in moderation, alcohol could thin the blood and dry the skin.

Using Caution When Taking Medicine

It is crucial that you only take medications that have been given the go-ahead by your doctor in the crucial first few weeks following surgery. Aspirin is one example of an over-the-counter drug that may have blood-thinning effects and should not be used following surgery. Motrin, Alleve, Advis are others. Do not take any medicine that can affect bleeding including homeopathic medicines.

Anything labeled “herbal” or “all-natural” isn’t exactly safe for someone who’s had surgery. Always consult your doctor first if you are unsure.

Are You Prepared to Change Your Face Permanently?

We are available to address your questions if you have concerns regarding what to anticipate during the healing phase after a facelift or other plastic surgery procedure. To arrange an initial consultation with Dr. George Brennan, get in touch with us at Dr. George Brennan Cosmetic Surgeon in Newport Beach right away at (949) 644-1641.