After Getting A Facelift

What To Expect post Surgery

How To Manage Pain

Even though most patients experience very little pain after surgery, Dr. Bowman will still prescribe medication. Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable, and you will use cold compresses to keep swelling to a minimum. If a dressing has been applied, it will be removed within one to two days. You must also keep your head elevated when lying down, avoid as much activity as possible, and report any undue discomfort. Though there are few risks in facelift surgery and thousands are performed every year, some risk exists in any surgery.

In some cases, a drainage tube may have been inserted during surgery. This will be removed on the first or second day after surgery. All sutures and staples are usually removed within five to 10 days following surgery. Surgeons generally recommend that patients avoid vigorous activity. Patients should prearrange for post-surgery support from family and friends.

Mini Facelift Recovery

Mini facelift surgery usually has a recovery time of 3-5 days, with most patients returning to work Monday after a Thursday or Friday surgery. Recovery from traditional facelift surgery usually takes two to three weeks, though many patients go back to work in two weeks. Scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. In any case, they are easily disguised in natural skin creases, by the hair, or, in persistent cases, by makeup until total healing has occurred. Bear in mind that the aging process continues after surgery and that some relaxation of tissues will occur over the first few weeks.