Pain. There is usually very little actual pain following a facelift, but you may experience a deep bruised sensation as a result of the swelling, and your face may seem heavy. The bandage you will wear the first night may seem quite snug under your chin.
Before undergoing a facelift procedure, you may be curious about how to manage your pain post-op. Although most people describe feeling only mild to moderate pain after a facelift, you can expect your face to feel tight, bruised, and tender for several days.
Day one is usually when you most need pain medication to stay on top of discomfort. Day 2. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit around this time. They will remove or change your surgical dressings and evaluate your incisions and swelling.
Most people return to work and social activities about 2 to 3 weeks following a facelift. By this time, most bruising and swelling have subsided or can be easily covered with makeup. During the first week of your recuperation, you may feel some soreness that prescription pain medication typically easily manages.
It does take several weeks after surgery for facelift side effects, like swelling and bruising, to dissipate. Our facility can offer medications to make you feel comfortable while resting at home. You should look and feel normal after 2 – 4 weeks.
Research by Medical Accident Group found that 65% of people they polled regretted their surgery, though 28% were very happy with its results. According to the poll, 83% of people who had had plastic surgery wouldn't consider having any form of cosmetic procedure again.
General Facelift Recovery
In general, the results from your facelift will look very good after about 1-month and you'll look your best at 6 months.
Most people choose to get a face lift as they reach 50 or above. As you pass this age, you may notice more prominent signs of aging, such as deeper creases, facial folds, and wrinkles. If you are looking for a more permanent solution to your cosmetic concerns, surgery can give you dramatic, long-lasting results.
A facelift often will enhance the appearance of your cheek, jaw line and neck region but is considered major surgery. You should think carefully about your specific expectations and communicate your goals to your plastic surgeon.
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. SLEEP WITH THE HEAD OF THE BED ELEVATED for 1-2 weeks after your operation.
While it may seem impossible to change your sleeping position, the overwhelming majority of patients tolerate temporary back-sleeping after facelift surgery exceptionally well.
A dull ache around the ears and tightness around the jaw and neck can be expected for the first night after surgery but reduces significantly each day thereafter. Most patients transition from opiate medication to regular Tylenol within the first week. The feeling of tightness decreases over the course of a few weeks.
A collection of blood (hematoma) under the skin is the most common complication of a face-lift. A hematoma causes swelling and pressure. It usually forms within 24 hours of surgery. When a hematoma forms, prompt treatment with surgery helps prevent damage to the skin and other tissues.
Visible scars, pixie ears, alteration of the natural hairline and an obvious pulled skin appearance are easy to spot. Once you find the surgeon whose facelifts are so natural you wonder if surgery was even performed, you've found your doctor.
Most patients will be able to take showers again a week after their surgery. This will vary from patient to patient, however, so be sure to follow the instructions provided by your plastic surgeon. If you have drainage tubes in place, you may be asked to avoid showering until the drainage tubes have been removed.
1 Week Post-Op
During the first week after your facelift, you can expect swelling and bruising around your lower face, ears and neck.
According to a study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Patients who have undergone a facelift rate themselves as looking at an average of 12 years younger after facelift surgery.
A mini facelift focuses on the areas of the lower face, like your jaw, cheeks, and around your mouth. While your eyes may appear tighter after the surgery, no skin will actually be removed during this particular procedure. You can add eyelid surgery to your facelift to help if your eyes are an area of concern for you.
A facelift (also known as a rhytidectomy) is a general term for any surgical procedure that improves signs of aging in your face and/or neck by repositioning or removing skin, fat and/or muscle.
Drooping skin, creases, and wrinkles are the most common complaints. The benefits of a facelift last an average of 8 to 10 years. After that, some men and women begin to see signs of aging. Drooping skin, creases, and wrinkles are the most common complaints.
Facelifts are one of the most popular plastic surgeries among both men and women. However, women make up the majority of facelift surgeries in the United States. So, what is the average a woman get a facelift? Currently, the average age for a woman who undergoes a facelift is somewhere around 58 or 59.
Candidacy and Good General Health Are Keys at This Age
If you are in good health and do not experience any kinds of health conditions that would make cosmetic surgery procedures a potential health hazard, then you ought to be a good candidate for various rejuvenation procedures.
While the recovery timeline can vary from patient to patient, most people are generally able to resume front or side-sleeping after 2 – 4 weeks.
You may be able to shower 1 or 2 days after surgery. Use a baby toothbrush to brush your teeth if you have trouble opening your mouth. Be very careful shaving after a face-lift because you will not be able to feel the blade on your skin.