If you’ve been struggling with wrinkles and sagging skin on your face and neck, a facelift may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This effective and increasingly popular cosmetic procedure reverses signs of aging, and will have your face looking tighter, smoother, and younger.
Whether you’re considering a facelift or you’ve already had one, here’s what you need to know about what recovery entails:
What Is a Facelift?
Also known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift is an umbrella term for any surgical procedure designed to smooth and tighten skin on the face and neck to achieve a more youthful appearance. The process involves making targeted incisions and removing excess skin, and possibly reshaping or redistributing fat tissue to create a smoother, more even visage.
There are also different types of facelift procedures, techniques, and approaches plastic surgeons utilize depending on a patient’s individual needs and goals.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
You may experience some mild pain for about two to four days following surgery, bruising and swelling for a week or two, and numbness near the incision that could last for several months.
You’ll need to schedule several follow-up appointments with your doctor in the days and weeks afterward. Bandages will be used to cover the incisions, and pressure applied to reduce inflammation. Any stitches or staples used will be removed within a week.
Your doctor may use a small tube placed behind one or both ears to drain excess blood or fluids.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions at every stage of the process—in preparation and during healing—to ensure the best results and quickest recovery.
If you’ve been struggling with wrinkles and sagging skin on your face and neck, a facelift may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Prior to surgery you may be advised to avoid certain medications and activities, including smoking, aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain facial skin products. You may also be required to receive a medical evaluation before the procedure. Be sure to follow any instructions regarding new or current medications, as well.
Following your surgery, your doctor may recommend you get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous physical activities for about a week. Take any medications prescribed by your doctor to reduce pain or discomfort, and apply an ice pack as needed to reduce swelling at the incision sites.
You will need to monitor how you sleep, making sure to rest with your head elevated for the first week after surgery, and avoid sleeping on the side of your face for about two weeks while you recover. Some patients may experience tightness and bruising on the face and neck up to six months following their procedures.
Your doctor may also recommend an activity regiment, as well as dietary restrictions to aid the healing process.
How Long Is Recovery?
Every patient is unique, but according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, those undergoing facelift surgery can expect to be presentable to the public within about two weeks, with full healing continuing throughout several months following the procedure.
What Are Potential Risks & Complications?
While a facelift is considered a relatively safe cosmetic procedure, any surgery poses potential risks. Complications are uncommon, but contact your doctor if you experience any painful or lingering side effects.
Here are some of the risks and complications associated with facelifts:
- Excessive Bleeding or Swelling
- Prolonged Pain or Numbness
- Fever
- Abnormal Discharge
- Nerve Damage
- Infection
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia
- Hematoma
- Scarring
- Slower Recovery Time
- Skin Discoloration
- Hair Loss at Incision Site
- Cardiac Issues (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Choose Buglino Plastic Surgery to Put Your Best Face Forward!
To achieve the optimal outcome, work with a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Anthony Buglino. He takes patients’ entire well-being into consideration—delivering exceptional care and the best cosmetic results!
Buglino Plastic Surgery also offers suitable alternatives for facelifts, including: ultherapy, to tighten and define facial skin; mesotherapy, which uses microneedling to inject a special serum to reduce wrinkles and smooth skin; as well as a wide range of injectables, fillers, and implants that can help you attain the younger, healthier appearance you’ve been seeking!
Contact Dr. Anthony Buglino at (516) 864-0700, or schedule a consultation online to discuss the best options for helping you look and feel your very best!
Be sure to follow Dr. Buglino on Instagram to view results of his past work!
