There is no “normal” facelift recovery. So many variables come into play, different degrees of ageing, surgical and medical history, genetics, psychological outlook and the extent and type of surgery performed.
Facelift Recovery Stages
Facelift surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Prior to your surgery, you will receive sedatives or general anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes from 2-5 hours. A person undergoing a facelift normally goes home on the same day after surgery.
According to Dr. Illich Navarro from Tijuana Facelift you will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to take, and when to follow up with your medical provider. In general, there are four stages of recovery after a facelift.
Stage 1 (Post Op Days 1 - 7)
Following facelift surgery, expect to wake up with a large wrapping around your head to minimize swelling and bruising, and small drains may be present for a brief period-of-time to draw off any type of fluid drainage. You will be quite groggy and unsteady, and for the first 24 hours following your surgery, it is important to have a caregiver with you.A caregiver will have to drive you home following your facelift surgery.
The first day following your surgery is the day when you may need the most pain medication. Usually, on the second day following your surgery, you will have a follow up visit with your cosmetic surgeon who will check your incisions and evaluate your swelling. Your surgical dressings will also be changed, and drains removed. While you should take it easy during the first seven days of recovery, in general, you will feel good enough to get up and move around your house in one to two days post-surgery.
Any swelling and/or bruising will peak three to four days following your surgery. It is recommended that you sleep on two pillows for the first two weeks following your surgery to help alleviate swelling. Do not underestimate the importance of keeping your head elevated. As previously mentioned, your medical provider will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may feel after your facelift. Taken as prescribed, you can control any pain and soreness you may feel.
Usually by day 4, pain medication is no longer needed, and swelling should start to go down. At this time, it is important to get your body and circulation moving (such as doing light housework), as it will help your recovery process. Additionally, it is important to follow the incision-care instructions given to you by your provider to ensure a successful recovery. Note, it is not uncommon to see more swelling on one side of your face than the other. However, if you develop unusual swelling or a fever, contact your physician immediately.
Stage 2 (Post-Op Days 7-14)
During the second week post-surgery, you will likely still have swelling and bruising around the affected areas. Some patients report strange sensations, such as tingling, numbness, or tightness. These sensations are commons occurrences following a facelift and are not cause for concern.
Although swelling and bruising will begin to fade, you can expect it to take another week or two for the bruising and swelling to completely dissipate. By the end of the second week, most people feel like themselves and are ready to return to work, although you should still avoid heavy and/or strenuous physical activity.
Stage 3 (Post-Op Days 15-30)
In weeks 3 and 4 post-operative, the removal of your sutures will take place. The procedure you had, and your healing process, will determine exactly when your sutures are removed. While your sutures were still in, your incision sites may appear bunchy and puckered, but once the sutures are removed, they will begin to smooth out. At weeks 3 and 4, you may still have some residual swelling (this is normal and will dissipate), but for the most part it is at this point patients often begin to see real improvement in their face.
You will look and feel much better three weeks after your facelift. However, you should still avoid strenuous exercise or risk of injury. As your incisions heal, the incision sites may appear slightly pink, but this will fade with time. During this time, it is important to stay out of direct sunlight and wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Apply makeup to hide the incisions or simply let your hair cover them.
Facelift recovery typically progresses through four stages: initial swelling and bruising (days 1-7), gradual improvement and return to light activities (days 7-14), continued healing and return to normal activities (days 15-30), and final results emerge (day 30 and beyond).
Stage 4 (Day 30 & Beyond Post-Op)
After one-month post-operative, it will be hard for anyone to tell you have had any cosmetic surgery and you should be back to normal activities with your new look. Note, it can take up to one year for very minor swelling, tightness, and numbness to subside, but those will only noticeable to you.
Remember, the final outcome of your facelift will become evident over the next 12 months. Typically, it takes this amount of time for your facelift to fully heal and for you to see the subtle shifts as your facelift rejuvenates your appearance. Bear in mind, people who do their research, take the necessary precautions, and follow their medical provider’s instructions have the easiest outcomes and best results.
Additionally, keep in mind, the above timeframes are general timeframes, everyone will have a unique-to-them experience.
