Your face likely will be bruised and swollen. The swelling may get worse before it gets better, but it will probably go away in 1 to 2 weeks. After a few days you may get some bruises on your neck and chest. This is caused by gravity, which pulls the excess blood and bruising downward.
Facelift recovery time
You should look and feel normal after 2 – 4 weeks. Keep in mind that facelift surgery cannot stop natural aging, so we encourage patients to continue to take care of their skin and make healthy lifestyle choices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most patients can expect the majority of their swelling to dissipate after 3 – 4 weeks. A facial plastic surgeon like Dr. DeRosa can explain different ways to decrease swelling so you can enjoy a smoother recovery after facelift surgery.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, most patients will need to sleep on their back with their upper body slightly elevated for about 2 – 3 weeks after facelift surgery. For patients who undergo a less extensive procedure, such as a mini facelift, it may be possible to return to side-sleeping sooner.
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.
Your face will look slimmer after a facelift because facelift surgery tightens loose, sagging skin, leading to a more defined jawline and chin. It can also get rid of a double chin, making you look slimmer and more toned. Other benefits from facelift surgery include: Addresses severe wrinkles and facial lines.
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.
Once the swelling wanes, that tightness feeling should dissipate in time. Your skin will also start to slightly stretch as it adapts to the new shape. You can expect the face to feel tight for a few months following the facelift surgery. The tightness can last for about 2 – 3 months.
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.
The discomfort that most patients feel is usually a pulling sensation from the swelling and from the sutures, which are used to tighten the neck. This type of pain typically subsides within a couple of weeks. It's important to remember that bruising and swelling in the affected area are normal and are to be expected.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, nicotine, and caffeine, for these will dramatically slow down the healing process. Take medications as directed by your prescriptions.
The First Week After Your Facelift
Significant swelling and bruising are typical during the first few days after surgery, which is why you'll be instructed to apply ice intermittently for the first three days, to reduce swelling.
While swelling after facelift surgery may initially cause a bit of distortion in your face that may make your ears appear to look “off,” the reality is that no, your ears will not look different.
Earlobes Swollen After Facelift
Any features surrounding the lifted area of the face can be affected. Earlobe swelling after a facelift is most common in patients with detached earlobes (before surgery), meaning that their earlobes hang freely next to the jawline and are not attached.
(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.
Usually, after a traditional SMAS lift, 40-50 stitches are used to cover the residual scars located close to the incision site at the hairline, in front and behind the ears. These stitches are removed at the fourth day after the surgery to avoid railroad track scars along the incision line.
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.
After you get a facelift, you want to enjoy the results right away, but the swelling can often get in the way. Luckily, by icing it, taking ibuprofen, and applying cucumbers, you can get rid of the post-op swelling faster.