Facelift Aftercare and Recovery

by Okanagan Health Surgical Centre
December 29, 2016

Overview

The loss of youthful facial contours is a common part of aging and can be due to a number of reasons including stress, heredity, gravity and environmental conditions. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

This face surgery can be used to treat a number of concerns including:

Deep creases below or above eyelids
Jowls
Double chins caused by loose skin and excess fatty deposits
Deep creases along the nose extending downwards to the mouth

Our Kelowna plastic surgeons typically perform a facelift in combination with other face surgeries including a brow lift or eyelid surgery to produce the most dramatic and successful rejuvenation results.

Learn More: Kelowna Face Surgery

What to Expect After Your Facelift Surgery

Like all plastic surgeries, a facelift procedure involves an extensive recovery period. Knowing what to expect after your surgery and following your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions is crucial to promote healing and ensure optimum results.

Initially, after a facelift surgery, you may experience the following temporary symptoms:

Shiny and/or itchy skin
Facial tightness or tenderness
A pale, swollen complexion
Some intermittent shooting pain

Tip: Some plastic surgeons may apply a large dressing immediately after your facelift to reduce swelling as well as draining tubes to remove any excess blood. Additionally, if your face surgery was performed as an outpatient procedure, you will need a family member or friend to drive you home.

Facelift Surgery Aftercare

Week 1

During the first week after your face surgery, you must rest as much as possible. Your face will be bandaged for 1-2 days and your stitches can typically be removed after 7 days.

Activities should be limited and you will experience some bruising and swelling. This will gradually improve over the course of the week.

Tip: Keep your head elevated by sitting in a recliner or sleeping on your back, propped up by pillows as this will significantly reduce the swelling

Week 2

During week 2 of the facelift recovery, most patients can typically resume their normal activities including returning to work by day 10. However, if you have a job that requires strenuous activity such as bending and lifting, your plastic surgeon may recommend that you wait a little longer before returning to the office.

At this stage, it is normal for patients to have some slight residual swelling and bruising though it will be much less pronounced.

Tip: By the end of week 2 after the face surgery, you may be able to resume taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines. ALWAYS check with your plastic surgeon before restarting any medications you stopped prior to your facelift.

Week 3 and Beyond

At the start of week 3, you will most likely be back at work and settling into your regular routine. At 3-4 weeks, you will typically be able to start working out again fully.

The facelift incisions will begin to fade and become even less noticeable and while some bruising/swelling may linger, your face will be back to normal. You can also resume sleeping on your back.

Tip: Taking good care of your skin in the weeks and months after your face surgery can help you maintain the amazing results from your facelift surgery. Your plastic surgeon will advise you to stay out of the sun for a few weeks. ALWAYS use sun protection when outside to keep your refreshed, youthful appearance.