What Is Recovery Like After a Facelift?
The facial skin is routinely exposed to sun, wind, and other harsh environmental elements. This and the natural aging process can lead to unwanted physical effects. As people age, it is common for the facial skin to appear dull, wrinkled, and saggy. A facelift effectively lifts, tightens, and smooths facial skin to minimize signs of aging and redefine facial features.
A facelift is one of the most commonly performed procedures at Dr. Anya Kishinevsky’s plastic and reconstructive surgery center, which serves Norwalk, CT, Bridgeport, CT, and surrounding areas. Before treatment, Dr. Kishinevsky prepares patients for what facelift recovery is like and how long it may take them to heal from the procedure.
How Long is Facelift Recovery?
Often, one of the most significant concerns our patients have regarding facelift surgery is how long recovery takes. Many people have work and other activities they are eager to resume after treatment. Patients must allow plenty of time to rest and recover after their facelift procedure.
Everyone heals at their own rate, but facelift side effects typically last between one and two weeks. As side effects subside, most people feel well enough to resume work and other routine activities (except strenuous exercise). It takes around four to six weeks for patients to completely heal from their procedure, and it can take up to six months for the facial features to settle and the final surgical effects to be achieved.
We must note that this recovery timeline is for patients who undergo facelift surgery alone. Some patients combine a facelift with additional procedures, such as a neck lift or blepharoplasty, to further enhance treatment results. When procedures are combined, patients can expect a lengthier recovery period.
Facelift Side Effects
Any surgical procedure causes side effects. Side effects are a natural part of the recovery process and should not be cause for concern. The most common side effects of facelift surgery include:
- Inflammation
- Bruising
- Pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Tightness or itching of the skin, particularly around incision sites
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty opening the mouth completely
Facelift side effects are often most severe two to three days after treatment and gradually improve as incisions and tissues heal. Most side effects subside within one to two weeks after treatment.
What Type of Scarring Can I Expect After a Facelift?
Another significant concern for our Norwalk patients is scarring. Scarring is inevitable as surgical incisions heal. Fortunately, the degree of scarring after a facelift procedure with Dr. Kishinevsky is minimal. Dr. Kishinevsky is a highly skilled surgeon who utilizes advanced surgical techniques and small, strategically placed incisions to ensure that surgical scars are easily hidden by the ears or hairline, making them virtually invisible.
Facelift Recovery Tips
Recovery is a necessary aspect of any surgical procedure. Although side effects and some degree of discomfort are inevitable when recovering from a facelift, there are steps our patients can take to promote healing and reduce any pain. We recommend these facelift recovery tips:
- Closely follow all post-surgical care instructions
- Use any prescribed medication exactly as directed
- Rest as often as possible
- Keep the head slightly elevated when resting
- Take frequent short walks to improve blood circulation and increase activity as recovery progresses
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Keep incision sites clean
Contact Our Surgery Center
A facelift can safely and effectively address signs of aging to revitalize your appearance. If you are considering facelift treatment and would like to find out if you are an ideal candidate, we invite you to schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Anya Kishinevsky. To get started, send us a message at your earliest convenience.