Swelling and inflammation are normal during facelift recovery. Swelling may occur around the mouth, chin, or jawline, depending on the extent of your facelift procedure and where it was performed. Most patients can expect the majority of their swelling to dissipate after 3 – 4 weeks.
Bruising and swelling usually reach their height around day 3 and 4, but both will likely be present for several additional weeks. Continue to take medication if you experience discomfort. Days 4-6.
On average, patients should plan to spend about 2 – 3 weeks sleeping with their head propped up after facelift surgery, though this can vary based on the nature and extent of the procedure.
It is normal to have swelling after facelift for 3-6 weeks. I'm not a big fan of ice over the skin because ice can decrease blood flow to the skin--which is not good. Ice can help somewhat with swelling and pain, but you need to be very careful with using too much ice.
In general, the results from your facelift will look very good after about 1-month and you'll look your best at 6 months. A facelift can produce long-lasting results for years to come. And while everyone has a unique aging process, many of my patients don't feel they need more work for 12-14 years.
Beginning on day 2 or 3, light walking is recommended to help promote blood flow which speeds healing. Short, easy walks is the only form of exercise that should be undertaken. Many patients start to feel less discomfort over the first few weeks as bruising and swelling subsides.
Often, it can take three to four months to experience your final results. Many facelift patients find that it takes around 10 years before they experience a significant return in their signs of aging.
Most people will not notice even major changes to your appearance unless you explicitly tell them about it.
In general, you can expect to make a full recovery from your procedure in about two to three weeks. A traditional face and neck lift addresses a larger area and a greater degree of skin laxity than other procedures, so recovery will take longer than more minimally invasive procedures.
The first seven days after a facelift is rest time. Swelling and pain will be most acute during this period. Take any prescribed medications on schedule and keep the head elevated. During this period, bandages are applied to the face to ensure equal pressure to bring about reductions in bruising and swelling.
(b) Don't TURN THE HEAD without turning the neck and shoulders as one unit, when you must turn, do so as if you had a “crick” in the neck, for 4-6 weeks.
Motakef. The majority of patients are able to return to work or non-strenuous routines after about 7 – 14 days, though exercise and other physical activities will be off-limits for a minimum of 4 – 6 weeks in most cases.
The corner of the mouth/lower lip is pulled down by the depressor anguli oris muscle, which is innervated by the marginal mandibular nerve. This nerve is one of the branches most commonly weakened after a facelift. Usually movement will recover in 6 to 12 weeks, although complete recovery may take longer.
Why? When the facelift is performed, the skin is tightened and it can flatten out the jowls because the skin is tighter. However, over time as the skin relaxes, the full fatty jowls will restretch out the skin and the jowls will reappear. Weight loss prior to face lift surgery is very important for these people.
You must wear the chin strap continuously for the first two weeks after surgery except while eating and showering/cleaning incisions. The strap helps fight the forces of gravity immediately after surgery and helps improve any swelling.
AVOID BENDING OVER OR LIFTING heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and start hemorrhage. AVOID HITTING OR BUMPING YOUR FACE, HEAD AND NECK. It is wise not to pick up small children and you should sleep alone for one week after your operation.
Walking is hands down the best form of exercise to do post any kind of surgery including a facelift. Walking in the initial phases of recovery will promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots and promote healing.
1 Week Post-Op
During the first week after your facelift, you can expect swelling and bruising around your lower face, ears and neck. Swelling may be uneven, so don't be alarmed if your results don't look perfectly symmetrical at this stage.
Because the facelift requires anesthesia, you'll be sleepy and groggy after your surgery. This means you'll need to have a close friend or family member bring you home. You'll likely feel the most discomfort your first day, so you should take pain medications to stay on top of it.
As swelling can take months to disappear. It is believed that the tightness will also subside by that time. Most patients are relieved of the feeling of numbness and tightness by 2 months after the procedure.
The primary benefit of massaging the face after a facelift is to expedite the healing process. Massage improves blood circulation, which carries nutrients to the skin and prevents the buildup of toxins. It also reduces scarring by lessening tissue buildup and softening the skin around the scar tissue.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, nicotine, and caffeine, for these will dramatically slow down the healing process. Take medications as directed by your prescriptions.
Gently wash and moisturize your skin after a facelift, using a soft cloth or gauze in conjunction with a mild antibacterial cleanser. Following with a moisturizer will help reduce scars and keep your skin in tip top shape.