Facelift Recovery Timeline

Given that the baby boom generation is now reaching maturity, it should not be surprising that the surgeons at Crawford Plastic Surgery are seeing an upswing in cosmetic surgical procedures, especially among older patients. A facelift procedure is a good example of this trend. A facelift can transform the appearance from old, tired, and worn, to fresh, alert, and youthful. 

The Surgical Facelift Procedure

There are a number of specific areas on the face that can be addressed with a facelift procedure, including sagging jowls and cheeks, nasolabial lines, and wrinkles in the lower to mid portion of the face. Depending on the severity of skin laxity and specific problem areas, different facelift procedures can be performed, such as the mini or SMAS facelift. Regardless of which type of facelift the patient is undergoing, the basic procedure is similar. Either a series of sutures ore one long suture is made around the face just behind the hairline. The skin and underlying tissue are then gently lifted up, tightened, and sutured back into place. The excess skin and tissue are then removed. The procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with another procedure, such as an eyelid lift or a liposuction procedure to remove excess fat from the chin and neck area.

Facelift Recovery Time

• Weeks One and Two: The most common side effects immediately following a facelift procedure are bruising or swelling. Surgeons may provide patients with special compression garments to wrap around the head or neck to reduce the amount and duration of bruising and swelling. Taking the herb Arnica montana starting one week before the procedure and continuing until one to two weeks afterward will also help reduce bruising and swelling. Discomfort is another side effect that is common in the first week or two; patients can take pain medication to control discomfort. Although patients should rest during this time period, the surgeons at Crawford Plastic Surgery encourage getting out of bed and moving around slowly. This will keep circulation flowing properly in the body, which helps speed healing.
• Weeks Three and Four: By this time, the sutures should be fully closed and most of the bruising and swelling will have subsided. Most patients can resume normal activities, such as driving or returning to work, although they should not lift heavy objects. For most patients, the incisions have healed by this time, but patients may experience numbness, itchiness, or reduced sensation along the suture lines. This is a normal part of the healing process.
• Beyond Week Four: By this stage, almost all of the bruising and swelling will be gone, and the incisions will be almost completely healed. Patients should be able to resume all activities, including some exercise, though heavy exercise should be put off until week six. There may still be some residual changes in skin sensation, but this will begin to fade.

The final result from the facelift should be one in which the patient looks more youthful and refreshed, but still very much recognizable. To schedule your facelift consultation, contact Crawford Plastic Surgery today.