How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Facelift?
Some of the most substantial and durable anti-aging therapies currently available are surgical facelifting. It does, however, entail a longer recovery time than other less intrusive therapies, which is the trade-off. Dr. George Brennan can resume their normal activities the day after surgery.
What Exactly is a Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic surgical operation that makes a face appear younger. The technique could cut skin sagging down, and 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 facelift frequently includes a neck lift, which 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 skin’s appearance and thickness or tightness.
What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?
Facelifts are typically designed to improve the appearance of specific areas of the face, namely the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck. There are several different types of facelifts, each of which is tailored to address distinct concerns or target specific areas. The most common type of facelift is the traditional facelift, which involves making incisions around the hairline and ears to tighten the skin, remove excess fat and tissue, and “lift” the face. Another type of facelift is the mini facelift, which involves smaller incisions and a more limited approach.
What to expect
An outpatient surgery clinic or a hospital can perform a facelift, and we perform the facelift procedures right in our office.
Before surgery
Sometimes sedation and local anesthesia are used during the treatment to numb only a portion of your body. In other circumstances, general anesthesia, which induces sleepiness, is advised.
During the operation
Generally speaking, a face-lift entails lifting the skin and tightening the muscles and tissues. It is possible to shift, remove, or sculpt the fat in the face and neck. The entire face is again wrapped over the freshly realigned facial outlines. Once extra skin has been removed. The wound gets stitched or taped tight.
The technique employed during the treatment will determine the incisions and 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, which is different. Most cosmetic surgeons in Orange County CA take between 3 and 6 hours to fully complete a facelift! The time may be extended if other cosmetic treatments are carried out concurrently.
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. A tiny tube may be inserted beneath the skin behind both ears to drain extra blood or fluid.
In the initial days following surgery:
- Raise your head when you sleep.
- Take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.
- Ice packs can reduce swelling and relieve pain in the face.
Risks and Complications
When choosing whether to have plastic surgery, you must consider the risks and possible problems of facelift surgery against the possible benefits in achieving your objectives. You are the only person with the authority to make decisions for yourself.
You must sign consent documentation to demonstrate that you’re aware of all of the risks and possible side effects involved with the treatment.
Here is the list of risks to keep in mind. Despite being rare, 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, which 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.
Before granting your permission, all dangers, including this one, shall be made known clearly. You must consult the cosmetic surgeon in Orange County to answer your questions upfront; we are happy to answer any questions.
How Long Is Facelift Recovery?
The length of time needed to recuperate completely after a facelift in Newport Beach can change based on the patient’s age, health in general, and the extent of the procedure. Patients should typically be able to resume their regular daily activities after two weeks, although they should wait at least a month before beginning vigorous exercise. However, in our office, patients can generally resume their normal activities the 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 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. Before surgery, finish 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.
You could still have some scarring at this point, but your hair will easily hide this. These pink lines may soon turn white and barely perceptible within a few weeks.
A month after surgery
Patients are often considered almost totally recovered and capable of doing everything they did before surgery one month after surgery. Most patients claim that this will be when they may 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 takes a bit of time to settle, so 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 needs a longer time commitment to recovery, but the outcomes are worthwhile.
Related article: Facelift Recovery
Patients’ Options to Quicken the Healing Process
You can take steps to ensure your recovery is as seamless and painless as possible. A patient may heal considerably more quickly than others who don’t properly care for themselves and diligently adhere to their surgeon’s recommendations. Any patient can take a few simple steps to take care of their fresh facelift to return to their regular lives as soon as feasible.
Wound Treatment
Keeping your incision sites as dry and clean as you can during the first days after you return home is crucial 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 dipped in saline or a mild soapy solution. The intention is to treat the incision sites as gently as possible, so avoid using abrasive cleansers or alcohol-based products.
Keep Your Head High
During the first week, you must keep your head elevated to allow fluids to drain correctly. During this period, some patients nap in a recliner; alternatively, you can use pillows to raise yourself in bed. Make sure there is a cushion on either side of you when sleeping in a bed so 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 significantly impact 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. Consuming at least eight glasses of water daily is crucial because even minimal dehydration might slow down the healing process.
Rest and mild exercise
Rest is crucial, especially in the first week following surgery, but you should also schedule a daily time to get up and move around. You should avoid sitting or lying down the entire day to ensure 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, and it is unnecessary to overdo it.
Avoiding sun Exposure
Although spending so much sun exposure is not a good idea for your skin, protecting your face against UV rays while healing from cosmetic surgery is crucial. Remain in the shade or wear a hat 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 in prolonging 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 encouraged you to stop at most until you fully recover. Smoking can impair circulation and lead to issues both during surgery and the recovery period. Alcohol must also be avoided during recovery, especially if you take painkillers. Also, when used in moderation, alcohol could thin the blood and dry the skin.
Using Caution When Taking Medicine
You must only take medications your doctor has given the go-ahead to in the 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, and Motrin, Alleve, and Advis are others. Do not take any medicine that can affect bleeding, including homeopathic medicines.
Anything labeled “herbal” or “all-natural” isn’t safe for someone with surgery. Always consult your doctor first if you are unsure.
How Long Do Results Take?
The time it takes for results to become visible after a facelift can depend on various factors, including the type of facelift procedure and the extent of the surgery. In general, most patients can expect to see initial results within the first week or two following surgery, with more significant improvements becoming apparent over the next several months. It’s important to note that full results can take up to a year or more to develop fully, and following proper aftercare instructions is critical to ensure the best outcome.
Will I Have Any Scars?
Scarring is a common concern for many people considering a facelift procedure, but advances in cosmetic surgery have made it possible to minimize or even eliminate visible scarring. During a facelift procedure, incisions are made in inconspicuous areas, such as the hairline or natural creases of the face, to reduce the visibility of scars. Dr. George Brennan takes excellent care to ensure that incisions are as minimal and well-hidden as possible and provides detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
Who Is a Good Candidate For a Facelift Procedure?
Facelift surgery can be an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their facial appearance by addressing sagging skin, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. The best candidates for a facelift are generally individuals who are generally in good physical and mental health, with realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Other factors that may make someone a good candidate for a facelift include:
- Having loose or sagging skin around the cheeks and neck
- Having deep creases or folds in the skin
- Experiencing a loss of volume in the face
FAQs
Q: What is the typical recovery timeline after a facelift?
A: The initial recovery period for a facelift is about two to three weeks, during which swelling and bruising will gradually subside. Full recovery and the final results can take several months. It’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions for optimal healing.
Q: What are the stages of healing after a facelift?
A: In the first week, expect significant swelling and bruising, which will start to diminish by the second week. By the third week, most patients can return to normal activities with some makeup to cover any remaining bruising. Complete healing and the final results will be visible after several months.
Q: What can you do to speed up recovery after a facelift?
A: To speed up recovery, follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, keep your head elevated, and apply cold compresses as directed. Avoid strenuous activities and follow a healthy diet to support healing. Attending all follow-up appointments is crucial for monitoring your progress.
Q: Are there any activities or habits to avoid during facelift recovery?
A: Yes, avoid smoking, as it can impede healing and increase the risk of complications. Refrain from strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least a few weeks. Also, avoid direct sun exposure and use sun protection to prevent skin damage and discoloration.
Q: How can you manage pain and discomfort during facelift recovery?
A: Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications and over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your surgeon. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. Follow your surgeon’s advice on pain management techniques.
Why Choose Dr. George Brennan?
Dr. George Brennan is a cosmetic surgeon in Newport Beach with extensive experience performing facelift surgery in Orange County, CA. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care and takes the time to understand each patient’s unique concerns and goals. Dr. Brennan takes great pride in his work and has a reputation for producing natural-looking results that leave his patients confident and renewed. He also offers convenient care instructions and follow-up appointments to help ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient. His clients have praised his top-notch experience and his caring bedside manner. Choosing Dr. George Brennan can be the best choice for anyone looking to improve their appearance and boost their self-confidence.
Are You Prepared to Change Your Face Permanently?
We are available to address your questions about what to anticipate during the healing phase after an Orange County facelift or other plastic surgery procedure. To arrange an initial consultation with one of our Newport Beach cosmetic surgeons, contact our Newport Beach office at (949) 644-1641.