A facelift is one of the best ways to get your youth back. It can help you say goodbye to all those lines and wrinkles that have been haunting you, leaving you with taut and beautiful skin.
While traditional facelift surgery provides permanent results, it’s also a major commitment when it comes to healing. It’s important to know what to expect on your path to recovery after undergoing a facelift surgery. If you follow post-surgical care directions as closely as possible, your recovery period can be shorter and more comfortable.
Be Prepared
First and foremost, you need to be prepared mentally and physically for your surgery. You will be on pain medication for a time and asked to take at least a couple of weeks off from work.
In order to ensure everything goes smoothly while you recover, you will need to clean up your home, bedroom, and kitchen. Prepare at least a couple of meals that you can reheat and eat once you are back from surgery.
If possible, having a caregiver around for the first week could be particularly helpful so that you do not need to worry about the laundry, dishes, or clean sheets. Try to fill the pantry up with groceries, and refill your prescription medications so that you avoid running to the store after surgery.
Follow Dr. Somenek’s Instructions
Once the procedure is over, Dr. Somenek will give you the details of the do’s and don’ts for facelift recovery. You will need to follow these directions diligently.
After surgery, you will wake up with a wrap around your head and in some cases a drain. Pain generally peaks after 48 hours, for which the doctor will prescribe pain medication. This should always be taken on a full stomach to avoid nausea.
Apart from that, the doctor might also prescribe using an ice pack to help with bruises and swelling in the area. You may need to see the doctor after three days to have drains removed. The doctor will also check to rule out signs of hematoma.
You should make sure to come to all the post-surgery appointments in order to ensure the doctor knows the status of your recovery. Only take prescribed medication and avoid non-steroidal painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Posture and Exercise
It is preferable that you lie down with your head on a pillow, or a couple of pillows, so that your face is above the level of your heart. Also, you should avoid sleeping on your side, as the face should not come in contact with any surface or brush against it while you are recovering. Avoid any kind of heavy exercises for the first five to six weeks.
Physical exertion might show up as redness and swelling in the face, especially in the incision areas. Use only mineral make-up. Avoid venturing outside in the sun, going to work, or doing heavy chores during the first two to three weeks.
By following the above tips, you can ensure a speedier recovery from your facelift surgery.
Scheduling Your Consultation
Meet with Dr. Michael Somenek to discuss the facelift-recovery process in further detail. Dr. Somenek is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon with years of facelift experience and will be happy to answer your questions, so contact us today for a consultation.
