After a facelift, you will need to set aside plenty of downtime to ensure your incisions are given apple opportunity to heal without interference. Most patients are able to go home the day of their facelift procedure, but you will need to return to our office the following morning to have your protective gauze removed. Sutures will be slowly removed in stages over the next 7 to 10 days after your procedure.
How Much Downtime?
The amount of time you will need to take off work will depend on the extent of your facelift procedure. If you had a minimally-invasive facelift, you may be able to return to work in just a few days. However, the average facelift usually requires taking 10 to 14 days off from work and other responsibilities.
Facelift Side Effects: What to Expect
Swelling and bruising are two normal side effects of a facelift. Both problems should gradually diminish over time, but during the first few days, you can help limit bruising and swelling with the use of ice packs or compresses. Most patients have little to no discomfort after their facelift procedure, but if you are bothered by pain, it can be easily controlled with medication.
Swelling after a facelift tends to create a fullness to the face during the first week of recovery. Within the second week, your face should start to look more like you expect, but it can still appear “heavy” around the jawline.
After about a month, your face will take on a more natural shape that truly showcases the rejuvenating results of the facelift. However, it can take up to three months for swelling at the incisions, jawline and neck to fully resolve. The jawline and neck area usually take longer to resolve than the cheeks.
Exercise After a Facelift
Most patients can return to strenuous exercise – including weightlifting and aerobics – about six weeks after their facelift procedure. However, depending on the rate at which you heal, you may be able to return to exercise sooner than this. Dr. Rifai will follow up with you throughout the recovery process to determine when it is safe for you to resume normal levels of physical activity.
If you have further questions about facelift recovery, please contact Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery & today or call (248) 723-9370 to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients throughout Detroit, Southfield, Port Huron, and Jackson, Michigan.