Tips to Minimise Swelling and Bruising during Recovery After Facelift Surgery
A facelift is a surgical procedure that can help address skin changes due to gravity, ageing, and sun exposure. After the surgery, you will likely experience inflammation and bruising. Both bruising and swelling after facelift surgery are a normal part of the recovery process. With the right aftercare, you can minimise these side effects and have a more comfortable recovery.
How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising Post-Facelift Surgery
Here are some suggestions that can help minimise swelling and bruising after facelift surgery:
1. Follow your Post-Surgical Instructions.
During your consultation, Dr Scott Turner will review the basics of the facelift surgery and assess your health to ensure you are the right candidate for the procedure. He will also ask you to take certain tests to prevent any complications during and after the surgery. A team member will give you detailed post-surgical instructions that you need to follow to prevent any side effects. Make sure to follow them. The instructions will include changing your bandages, caring for incisions, information regarding medications, movement, exercise, rest, and overall tips.
2. Cold Compresses can help Minimise Bruising and Swelling after Facelift
Using ice packs on your face can minimise bruises and inflammation. Freezing temperatures fight against swelling by constricting the blood vessels. Apart from that, cold can numb the nerve endings and minimise pain and discomfort. However, be careful and avoid ice-burning yourself. It is recommended to avoid hot temperatures for four to six weeks after the treatment as it can worsen the inflammation. If you got the surgery done during the hot summer months, make sure to stay indoors with the air conditioner on.
3. Keep Your Head Elevated
It is normal to experience tightness in the face and neck area due to the surgery. This sensation can disrupt your sleep as well. Dr Scott recommends propping up your head with the help of a few pillows while sleeping. You can also use a foam wedge or sleep in a recliner for the first couple of days. Keeping your head elevated will reduce swelling post-facelift surgery.
4. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Drinking water is important for your overall health and your recovery. Water helps your body to get rid of the excess fluid trapped inside your tissues. The more water you drink, the less fluid retention you’ll have. Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Eat fruit and vegetables with high water content, and stay away from caffeinated beverages that can dehydrate your body.
5. Resting Enough Is Important
It is important to prepare a comfortable space in your home for resting and healing. Make sure your bedroom has all the things that will come in handy during the recovery – extra pillows, light music, essentials within your arm’s reach, water, snacks, and whatever you need. Aim at sleeping 8 hours per night and take naps throughout the day as needed. Adequate rest will not only help with the recovery but also minimise swelling.
6. Eat Right
It is very tempting to order your favourite foods online when you are stuck in bed. However, it is not such a great idea after the surgery. Try eating home-cooked meals that are low in sodium. Avoid packaged foods, fast foods, and any other food items that have a high salt content. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, healthy carbs and fats, and protein.
Things to Avoid Post-Surgery to Minimise Bruising and Swelling
Doing all the right things is as important as avoiding certain activities that can delay the healing process and make you feel uncomfortable. Let’s get to the list of don’ts:
1. Do Not Sleep on Your Front or Side
Sleeping on your front or side can put pressure on the incision sites which can worsen both swelling and bruising while affecting the results of the surgery. Make sure to sleep on your back and keep your head in an elevated position.2. Avoid Blood Thinning Medications
Stay clear of blood thinning medications. All sorts of blood thinners can lead to bruising. Make sure to stick to prescribed medications only. Tell your surgeon what medications you are taking.3. Limit Your Salt Intake
Salt can lead to water retention and worsen the swelling. Hence it is best to avoid all sorts of packaged and fast foods. Try eating home-cooked meals as much as you can, choose foods that have a high water content, and drink plenty of water.4. Do Not Overexert Yourself
You want to get back to your life as soon as possible. If you are a gym enthusiast, avoiding workouts can be a huge bummer but you need to let your body heal first. Stay clear of high-intensity workouts and heavy lifting as it can disrupt the recovery and cause swelling to linger on for much longer.5. Do Not Miss any Follow-Up Visits
It is important not to skip your follow-up appointments. If your recovery is going as planned, you might want to skip your next follow-up visit. However, it can do more harm than good. Follow-up visits give Dr Turner a chance to review your progress and then make the necessary adjustments.6. Limit Caffeine Intake
Avoid all sorts of caffeinated beverages if you can. If you cannot, limit the caffeine intake to one beverage per day. Excessive caffeine can dehydrate your body which is never a good thing for post-surgical swelling.
FAQs about Bruising and Swelling after Facelift Surgery & Facelift Recovery Tips
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding recovery after facelift surgery:
How long does swelling last after facelift surgery?
Expect the swelling to linger around for 3 to 4 weeks after your facelift surgery. Most of the swelling will subside by the end of the first month. Residual swelling can linger for a few months.
How do you reduce swelling after facelift surgery?
Here are a few tips that will help minimise swelling after a facelift surgery: do not skip follow-up visits, stay clear of blood thinning medications, take all the prescribed meds, eat a healthy, low-sodium diet, drink lots of water, sleep on your back, use cold compresses, and stick to all the pre and post-op instructions given by Dr Turner.
How can I heal faster after facelift surgery?
Everyone is different and heals at a different pace. Do not rush the recovery and allow your body enough time to rest and recover. If you stick to all the pre and post-op instructions, your body will heal at the right pace.
Can you ice too much after facelift surgery?
No, too much ice can lead to cold burns. Make sure to wrap the ice in a towel and apply it to your face for 10 to 15 minutes at a time and then take a break for 15 minutes.
When should I use scar cream after facelift surgery?
Although the scars of the facelift surgery are well concealed, you can use scar removal creams once your incisions have healed completely. The timeline for incision healing is one to two weeks after the surgery.
How do you stop bruising on your face post-surgery?
You cannot stop bruising from happening in the first place post-facelift surgery. It is your body’s natural response to the trauma caused to your tissues during the process of the surgery. However, if you follow all the pre- and post-op instructions religiously, the bruising will go away quickly.
What helps bruising after surgery?
Here are a few tips that help with bruising post-surgery: use cold compression, take all the prescribed meds, stay clear of blood thinners, and keep your head elevated while sleeping.
When does bruising go away after surgery?
The bruising will subside in about two to three weeks after the surgery.
What do you put on your scars after facelift surgery?
You can use silicone strips and gels on your scars once the incisions have healed completely after the facelift surgery. Always consult Dr Turner in regards to the best topical ointments to use after the surgery.
How do you reduce inflammation after surgery?
Stick to all the pre- and post-op instructions: do not smoke or drink, use cold compresses, keep your body hydrated and eat a healthy diet, take all the prescribed meds, and keep your head elevated while resting in bed.
How long do I use scar removal ointment after a facelift?
You can continue using scar minimising ointments for one to three weeks after getting the facelift surgery.
When can I sleep on my side after facelift?
It is best to avoid sleeping on your side or face for at least 4 weeks after getting the facelift surgery.
Should I massage my face after facelift?
You can massage your face once your face incisions have fully healed and your surgeon approves. Gentle upward and outward massage strokes can help with lymphatic drainage and make your face less swollen.
How do you prevent scarring after facelift surgery?
Here are a few tips that will help minimise scars post-facelift surgery: stay well hydrated, take care of your incisions, avoid stepping out in the sun without sunscreen, do not put pressure on your incisions, and use silicone gels/creams on your scars.
Does toothpaste get rid of bruises?
No, it is not recommended to use toothpaste on your bruises. Certain ingredients in the toothpaste can irritate your skin and make the bruising much worse.
How do you get rid of a bruise in 24 hours?
There is no way you can get rid of the bruise in a matter of 24 hours. However, if you follow all the pre- and post-op instructions, you will be able to treat most of the bruising in about 2 weeks.
Is bruising and swelling normal after surgery?
Yes, it is normal to experience bruising and swelling after the surgery. If you follow all the pre- and post-op instructions, most of the bruising and swelling will subside in about three weeks.
Can I drink coffee after facelift surgery?
You can drink coffee after facelift surgery. However, it is important to limit the intake to about one cup a day as excessive caffeine can dehydrate your body.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
- Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.
Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?
- A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations).
- Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
- Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.
Making the Most of Your Consultation
- Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
- You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing and payment plans
- Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us
How to Book Your Consultation
- You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.
Book a Phone Call For More Info
- To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly – Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.
Contact us or call on 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.
Email us for more information: [email protected]
