Blog

Facelifts are among the most popular type of cosmetic surgery procedures available. Also known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift can benefit you if you have a problem with wrinkles, fine lines, and jowls. The surgery can address these issues and leave you with a smoother, rejuvenated, more youthful look.

If you plan on getting a facelift, it’s important to know what to expect after your surgery as you recover. You should understand the timeline for 30 days after your procedure.

Week 1 of Recovery

During your first week of recovery, you should prevent infections by properly caring for your incisions and keeping them clean.

Day 1: Immediately after surgery, you’ll feel groggy. You should have someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight to take care of you and help you out. You will have to take pain medication to manage your discomfort.

Day 2: Your surgeon will schedule you for a follow-up to remove or change your dressings and evaluate your incisions. If you’re healing normally, you’ll get new dressings.

Day 3: You should begin to feel better, but you’re advised to continue resting. You may have more noticeable bruising and swelling at this point, which should linger for a few weeks. You should take your medication if you still feel pain or discomfort.

Days 4–6: You may no longer need your medication and swelling should begin to ease. You should also start to feel more comfortable and can perform light household chores.

Week 2 Recovery

Days 7–14: By week two, you may still have bruising and swelling and potentially, numbness, tightness, and tingling. All of these are normal after a facelift. You should start feeling more like yourself and can return to work and perform light activities.

Weeks 3 and 4 of Recovery

Days 15–30: Your sutures may be removed anywhere between the end of the first week to the third depending on how well you’re healing. By this time, you will still have some swelling and tightness but should feel and look better. You will start to notice the results of your facelift and should be able to return to your normal activities and exercising again. Your incision sites may be pink or reddish in hue, but that will fade over time.

What Should You Expect After Day 30?

After one month past your facelift surgery, you should be back to your regular daily routine and everyday activities. You will be able to enjoy your new look. At the same time, you may still have minor bruising, swelling, numbness, and tightness in your face. However, only you will really notice those effects, which can take up to a year to go away.

All the timeframes mentioned for facelift recovery are general. Every person is unique and may have a different amount of time to heal. Always speak with your plastic surgeon and carefully follow all instructions for your post-surgery care to ensure that your healing is successful.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re in the Long Island, New York area, or nearby areas, and want to get a facelift, contact Dr. Leland Deane, MD, FACS by calling or filling out our online contact form.