You can expect the face to feel tight for a few months following the facelift surgery. The tightness can last for about 2 – 3 months.
The primary benefit of massaging the face after a facelift is to expedite the healing process. Massage improves blood circulation, which carries nutrients to the skin and prevents the buildup of toxins. It also reduces scarring by lessening tissue buildup and softening the skin around the scar tissue.
The formation of tiny lumps that occur along the site of the incision is often reported by many patients. The causes of these bumps are varied and fluid retention, primarily from the lymphatic fluid, can cause these bumps.
Microdermabrasion is often used to even the tone and texture of the skin, smooth away various types of scars, and rejuvenate the complexion. Again, you must wait for the all clear from your facial plastic surgeon before pursuing any such treatments, in case your face and skin are not properly healed before you do.
Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar. Your skin will be healed when the edges of the scar are well closed with no gaps, and have no drainage.
You can use any type of over-the-counter cream such as Vaseline, cocoa butter or hand lotion for this. The tissue should be massaged in the direction of the scar for ten minutes twice a day. This is useful for 3-6 months or for as long as it seems to be helping.
You may have some itching or shooting pain as the feeling returns. It may take several months for the numbness to go away. Most people recover in 4 to 6 weeks. But it probably will take 6 months or more to see the final result from the surgery.
Facelift recovery time
You should look and feel normal after 2 – 4 weeks. Keep in mind that facelift surgery cannot stop natural aging, so we encourage patients to continue to take care of their skin and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Beginning on day 2 or 3, light walking is recommended to help promote blood flow which speeds healing. Short, easy walks is the only form of exercise that should be undertaken. Many patients start to feel less discomfort over the first few weeks as bruising and swelling subsides.
Scar massage is performed by using the pads of your fingertips and applying firm pressure to your scar and then moving in a circular motion over the scar. The pressure should cause the scar to blanch (turn pale) but not so hard that it hurts.
Generally speaking, most patients will need to sleep on their back with their upper body slightly elevated for about 2 – 3 weeks after facelift surgery.
Moisturize
Follow the cleanser by applying a moisturizer, preferably an unscented one. Keeping your skin moisturized, especially around the incisions, can reduce the appearance of scars and help your face heal flawlessly. Hydrated and moisturized skin will prevent scarring of the incisions.
In general, the results from your facelift will look very good after about 1-month and you'll look your best at 6 months. A facelift can produce long-lasting results for years to come. And while everyone has a unique aging process, many of my patients don't feel they need more work for 12-14 years.
After any type of surgery, the skin can build up adhesions and scars as part of the healing process. However, the body can abnormally increase the production Fibroblast (a main connective tissue cell present in the body) in the form of bands which connect two or more tissues causing hardness under the skin.
Why? When the facelift is performed, the skin is tightened and it can flatten out the jowls because the skin is tighter. However, over time as the skin relaxes, the full fatty jowls will restretch out the skin and the jowls will reappear.
AVOID BENDING OVER OR LIFTING heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and start hemorrhage. AVOID HITTING OR BUMPING YOUR FACE, HEAD AND NECK. It is wise not to pick up small children and you should sleep alone for one week after your operation.
Motor nerve damage affects the movement of the face. Damage to the nerve that moves the lower lip is most common and can lead to a crooked smile, though this only occurs in less than 1% of patients. Full facial movement usually returns within a few weeks.
Don't expose the area to water for two days. Starting the day after surgery, use a moisturizing barrier like Aquaphor three times a day for two weeks. Use a silicone-based cream that contains sun-protection, like Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, twice per day for three months.
How long does it take for nerves to heal after a facelift? Facial nerve sensation will largely be restored within one to two weeks post-op; the neck area may take up to six weeks. Most patients will recover full feeling throughout their face within a few months, but it can take up to 12 months for some.
Facelift recovery Weeks 3 and 4
At weeks 3 and 4, you still may have some residual swelling and tightness, but for the most part, will start looking and feeling much better. Here is where patients often begin to see real improvements in their facial contour.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.
In time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. The scar gradually becomes smoother and softer. Although scars are permanent, they can fade over a period of up to 2 years. It's unlikely they'll fade any more after this time.
Silicone gel keeps the skin hydrated and lets it breathe, so scars can soften. Research shows that silicone gel reduces a scar's texture, color, and height. If you try it, wait for the gel to fully dry before you put clothes on over it.