How to Speed Up Facelift Recovery

Cosmetic surgery has been around for decades and is now available for most people. The goal of these procedures is to improve a person’s physical appearance, as well as overall self-esteem and mental well-being. However, many want to learn how to speed up facelift recovery and gain the best results in no time.

Even though there are many reasons why you might want to undergo plastic surgery, you must be absolutely sure about it. If you want to get rid of aging signs or saggy skin and get a youthful, bright look, a facelift may be one of the options for you.

Continue reading this article to discover what this procedure may provide for you and its healing timeline. Learn more about speeding up the facelift recovery process the right way and get the best possible outcomes.

How to Speed Up Facelift Recovery

So, how to speed up facelift recovery? A facelift is one of the most complex and life-changing plastic surgeries. Aftercare is the most important step for getting the best possible results. You have to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and avoid anything that might harm your healing process.

However, if you plan to create this new you, you might wonder about a few things concerning the procedure. What does facelift recovery look like? How long does it take? How to speed up facelift recovery and have better results?

In this article, you’ll learn everything about these questions. Find out what the facelift recovery timeline looks like and discover some of the most common tips for a quicker and healthier process. 

Although, it’s important to mention that before finalizing your decision, you have to be absolutely sure. Consider why you want to undergo this procedure, and never rush it. This is because the surgery can be expensive, the results may not be the same for everyone, and there might be risks and side effects.

So, without further stalling, let’s break down everything you need to know for facelift recovery.

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Facelift Recovery Timeline

Once you’ve finalized your decision to undergo facelift surgery, here is a breakdown of its recovery timeline. When considering a facelift, the protocol following the surgery is just as important as the procedure.

Choosing the right option for facelift surgery might be crucial to get the best possible results. Schedule consultations with potential options and find out which suits you best. Lexington Plastic Surgery is one of the best places you can rely on and achieve your ever-lasting goals.

Knowing what to expect and following guidelines and care instructions might greatly affect your results. Although it may take several months to start seeing actual results, recovery takes less.

However, it’s difficult to say the precise duration of the healing time since it entirely depends on the patient’s circumstances. This includes your health status, age, and the type of procedure you opt for.

By being aware of the potential side effects, you’ll go into your recovery fully prepared and confident. Here is a brief introduction to what might occur during your first few days, weeks, and months.

First few days after the facelift

During the first few days of your recovery, there will be some swelling and discomfort but no significant pain. Don’t expect immediate results in this initial phase.

You might feel some tightness on your face and neck. However, remember that your facial skin and muscles have been altered, which is completely normal. During this period, it’s good to stay as calm and optimistic as possible. Move around, be active, or do any other mild physical activity since it helps with recovery.

Related: What to Expect with Your Neck Lift Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

One week after the facelift

After a week of your surgery, you should start feeling better. You might find it easier to do more activities around the house and may even stop your pain medications if you use any. You might still have slight swelling or bruising during this phase, but that will start subsiding very soon.

The most important thing in this phase is patience. There’s still time until you start seeing the final results, so keep following the post-operative care instructions from your surgeon.

Two weeks after the facelift

Once you’ve hit the two-week mark, you’ve gone through the most challenging part of your recovery. At this phase, you should be getting back to normal and may even attend work.

Your swelling and bruising should be minimal, and you might feel sensations like tingling on your skin. This is completely normal during this phase since your facial skin is healing. However, you should consult your health provider if you feel worried about some unusual symptoms or experience pain.

One month after the facelift

After a month of recovery, you’ll be almost done with your treatments and may resume doing more physical activities. However, you should still pay attention to your body and ensure everything goes smoothly.

At this point, your swelling might be entirely gone. Even though there might be minimal places with isolated bruising, you should carelessly appear in public without any coverage. Yet, if you still feel tingling or tightness, generally, that’s nothing to be concerned about.

Over two months after the facelift

After two months of recovery, you should be completely back to your everyday life with a fresh and youthful look. You should be done with any side effects from your facelift and continue with all physical activities you were doing before the surgery.

Tips on Speeding up Your Facelift Recovery

One of the patients’ biggest concerns when planning a facelift procedure is its healing duration. It’s important to know that recovery takes time, and you have to be patient. However, here are some general tips on how to speed up facelift recovery and get the best results possible.

Follow your health provider’s aftercare guidelines

After your facelift is finalized, you have to follow certain guidelines from your surgeon. Rely entirely on your health provider’s aftercare instructions for the best possible results. This will also help you go through your recovery as smoothly as possible.

Some of the instructions from your plastic surgeon may include:

• What medications and supplements are okay to consume;
• Which medications and supplements you should avoid;
• How long you should wear a compression garment;
• When to resume with physical activities;
• How to correctly clean incisions;
• Consultations for any worries or concerns you might have.

Your instructions and guidelines will entirely depend on your unique situation. Don’t rely on general resources for advice since every situation and surgery is different in its own way. That’s why it’s crucial to only follow your doctor’s instructions.

Avoid sun exposure

When going through the healing process, your skin might be much more sensitive than normal. That’s why you should be considerate and careful with heating pads and ice applications. Even though you can’t feel the heat or cold since your face is numb, it immensely affects your skin.

You should avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process to protect your incisions. This might harm your skin and cause additional issues and side effects. However, if you can’t avoid the sun, consider applying sunscreen with a high SPF.

During your recovery from the surgery, you’re at a higher risk of skin irritation and increased inflammation. That’s why it’s important to avoid extreme temperatures until you’ve completely healed.

Keep your head elevated

To minimize swelling and bruising, you should consider sleeping on two or three pillows throughout the first few weeks. Some patients may even sleep more upright to gain faster results.

Elevating your head reduces the fluid accumulation around your incisions, further decreasing swelling.

Eat healthy and stay hydrated

Optimizing your body’s natural healing process works best with a healthy, balanced diet and hydration. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins with enough water might help you maintain a healthy recovery.

Avoid any sugary drinks and processed, salty, or sweet food, as they may hinder your body’s recovery. You should also consider limiting your caffeine and dairy product consumption.

Get daily activity

It’s important to rest and let your body recover from the surgery itself. However, this doesn’t mean that you should stay in bed all day. Moving around, even if it’s just a walk around the house, might help speed up the process and reduce swelling.

You shouldn’t force your body too much. Instead, follow your surgeon’s guidelines and consult with them if you want to introduce your body to more intense exercises.

No smoking or vaping

Tobacco usage during most recoveries increases the chances of complications from surgeries. Smoking may cause vasoconstriction, leading to skin flap necrosis during cosmetic surgery.

This means that smoking results in a slower healing process and may leave prominent scarring. It’s crucial to stop smoking for at least one month before and after the surgery.

Tobacco usage may lead to advanced signs of facial aging, so stopping this habit makes sense. Most smokers find that the healing process is the last push to kick the habit for good.

Avoid alcohol

Consuming alcohol during your recovery from facelift surgery may trigger unwanted swelling, as well as dehydration. It may put you at a higher risk of complications and side effects. That’s why alcohol is not advised for about a month before and after the surgery.

Following your health provider’s specific guidelines for this topic will make your recovery as quick and efficient as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, facelift surgery has shown the best aesthetic results when it comes to cosmetic procedures. If you’re contemplating whether to get one, make sure you’re absolutely sure about your decision.

Before proceeding with the surgery, you have to be aware of the recovery timeline as well as any risks or side effects. Make sure you understand the healing process and how it can affect you.

Knowing how to speed up facelift recovery might help you go through the process carefree. However, it’s crucial you only follow instructions and guidelines from your health provider to avoid any complications. That’s because every procedure and situation is unique in its own way.

Hopefully, this article has given you enough insight into speeding up the recovery healthily and safely.