Recovery After Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is a powerful procedure that can improve your facial appearance by targeting sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and the loss of facial contours. While the results can be transformative, the recovery process plays an equally important role in achieving the best possible outcome. If you’re considering or have recently undergone surgery with a specialist plastic surgeon like Dr. Turner in Sydney, Australia, understanding the different stages of recovery is key to ensuring a smooth and successful healing journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during each phase of recovery after a facelift, providing helpful tips to optimize your healing process. Whether you’ve had a SMAS facelift, vertical restore facelift or a neck lift, this timeline offers a clear breakdown of each recovery stage, helping you navigate your post-surgery experience with ease.

Tips for a Better Recovery After Facelift

Recovering from a facelift requires patience and dedication to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Here are some key tips to promote a smooth recovery:

• Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice: Whether you’re under the care of Dr. Turner or another specialist plastic surgeon, their instructions are tailored to optimize your recovery.
• Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleeping with your head elevated during the initial weeks helps reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Use Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses in the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling.
• Limit Physical Activity: Strenuous physical activities can increase swelling and delay healing. Avoid intense exercise during the first few weeks.
• Hydrate and Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Your body needs extra nourishment to heal. Focus on staying hydrated and consuming foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Manage expectations: Understand that recovery is a gradual process, and visible improvements will become more apparent over time.
• Attend follow-up appointments: Regular check-ins with your specialist plastic surgeon ensure any issues are caught early and managed appropriately.

Weeks 1-2: Initial Healing Phase

During the first two weeks after your facelift, your body is in the initial stages of healing. It’s essential to be cautious and allow your body the time it needs to recover.

• Swelling and Bruising: Expect some degree of swelling and bruising around the face and neck, this is normal and to be expected. Applying cold compresses can aid in reducing swelling. Bruising typically subsides around day 10, however if you have had a fat transfer this can take longer.
• Pain and Discomfort: Some discomfort, tightness, and mild pain around the incision areas are normal. Dr Turner will prescribe pain medication to assist with this. Ensure you avoid anti-inflammatory medications unless advised otherwise.
• Bandages and Drains: You’ll likely leave the hospital with bandages around your face to minimize swelling. Drains may also be placed to remove excess fluid, which are usually removed within a few days at Dr Turners clinic.
• Movement and Rest: Rest is critical during this phase. Keep physical activity to a minimum and avoid bending or lifting heavy objects, which can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Sleeping Position: Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling and protect the incision sites, avoid sleeping on your side.
• Incision Care: Follow your surgeon’s instructions for keeping incisions clean. Proper care will help prevent infection and promote better healing of the scars.

Weeks 3-4: Gradual Resumption of Activities

By the third and fourth weeks, you will notice significant improvements in swelling and bruising, though some may persist. The key focus during this period is to gradually resume normal activities while continuing to care for your healing face.

• Swelling Reduction: Most swelling should begin to subside, revealing more of your facial contours. However, minor swelling may persist, particularly in the evenings.
• Bruising: Bruising typically resolves by week four. You may start to feel more comfortable in social situations, though some residual signs of surgery may still be present.
• Light Exercise: You can gradually increase your activity level, reintroducing light exercises like yoga or walking longer distances. Still, avoid high-impact activities.
• Scar Care: Follow Dr Turner scar management guidelines for scar care, which may include gentle massage and topical silicone treatments.
• Facial Sensation: Some numbness or tingling in the face is common and will gradually decrease. This is a normal part of the healing process.
• Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen and hats, as UV exposure can affect healing incisions.

Months 1-3: Transitioning to Normalcy

The one to three-month period marks a transition where you start seeing more refined results from your facelift. While full recovery still takes time, you’ll be able to resume most of your normal daily activities.

• Improved Appearance: You should begin to see the enhanced facial contours as swelling resolves completely, and the new contours of your face will become more evident.
• Return to Work and Social Life: Most patients are comfortable returning to work and normal social interactions by this time. Light mineral makeup that is non-occlusive may be worn to conceal any residual signs of surgery.
• Exercise: Depending on your progress, you may commence light exercise, such as yoga or swimming. However, it’s essential to avoid high-impact activities that could jostle the face.
• Scar Management: Scars will begin to fade during this time. You can use recommended scar creams or commence laser treatments as advised Dr Turner to minimize their appearance.
• Incorporate Gentle Skincare: Introduce a medical grade skincare routine tailored to your specific needs. Avoid harsh treatments or exfoliants unless advised by Dr Turner.,
• Consultations: Regular consultations with Dr. Turner will ensure your recovery is on track, providing an opportunity to address any concerns.

Months 3-6: Achieving Refined Results

By this stage, your face should be settling into its new contours, and the healing process will be much less noticeable. You’ll feel more confident with your appearance as swelling continues to diminish.

• Refined Results: The results of your facelift will look more natural and any tightness in the face will settle, and skin texture will improve.
• Sensation in the Face: Any numbness or changes in sensation should continue to resolve. It’s not uncommon for some areas to remain slightly numb for several months, especially around the ears or neck.
• Resuming Regular Exercise: Most people can resume their full exercise routine by this point, including more strenuous activities like running or weightlifting. Always check with your surgeon before jumping back into high-impact sports.
• Long-Term Skin Care: At this point, it’s important to maintain a good skincare regimen, including sun protection, to preserve your results and protect your skin from damage.

Months 6-12: Long-Term Results and Maintenance

While most patients feel fully recovered by the six-month mark, subtle changes and improvements in your appearance can continue for up to a year.

• Final Results: By the end of 12 months, you will see the full effects of your facelift. The skin will have settled completely, and scars will be faint, blending naturally with your skin tone.
• Evaluate Results: Assess your overall satisfaction with the results of the facelift. Schedule a follow-up with your Dr Turner to discuss any concerns or potential tweaks.
• Continued Care: Maintain healthy habits such as regular moisturization, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle to prolong the benefits of your facelift.
• Maintenance Treatments: Consider periodic non-invasive treatments, such as laser therapy or medical grade skin treatments, to maintain your results.

Conclusion

Recovering from a facelift is a journey that requires time, patience, and careful adherence to Dr Turner’s guidelines. Each recovery stage brings you closer to your desire aesthetic goals. Under the care of a Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Turner and by following these recovery tips, gives you the best chance of a smoother healing process with a refreshed look for years to come. Remember, every patient’s recovery is unique, and it is crucial to communicate openly with your specialist plastic surgeon throughout the process.

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 medical referral is now required for all medical and cosmetic surgery consultations with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia due to regulations set out by AHPRA
• 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.

How to Book Your Consultation

• You can book your initial consultation by paying the $450 consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.
• Contact us or call 1300 437 758 or email us at enquiries@drturner.com.au to arrange your consultation in Sydney with Dr Turner.