909·463·0715
How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Facelift? Inland Empire
  • Monday

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Tuesday

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Wednesday

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Thursday

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Friday

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Saturday

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Sunday

    Closed

How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Facelift?

How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Facelift?

Recovery time after a facelift varies depending on the individual, but for the most part, there is a standard timeline that it follows. If you’re considering getting a facelift, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the recovery process beforehand.

The First Week After Surgery

It’s essential to take it easy during the first seven days of recovery. Any extra fatigue or nausea you experience during the week will most likely be due to the pain medication rather than the facelift itself.

After the first 24 hours, the patient is encouraged to move around slowly so that the blood circulation is moving and flowing, which will help in speeding up the recovery and healing process. Small trips around the house are encouraged.

The Second and Third Weeks

Generally, most patients can return to work after two weeks. After about two weeks, most of the swelling will have reduced, but you may still have mild bruising and swelling around your eyes, behind your ears, or on the sides of your face and neck.

Physical activity levels should remain light, and it is essential to avoid any strenuous physical activity such as working out. Some patients report sensations like tingling, burning, numbness, or tightness.

You will feel a lot better and definitely look much better three weeks after your facelift procedure. Towards the end of the third week, you will notice a significant improvement in the quality of your facial skin and incisions, but you may still experience mild itching and numbness.

Any bruising should be entirely healed by this time, and any swelling should be quite minimal and barely noticeable.

After One Month

At one month, nearly all of your swelling should have dissipated, and no one should be able to tell that you’ve gone through surgery. As the incisions on your face continue to heal, they may appear pink or light red in color. During this time, it is essential to stay out of direct sunlight and always remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

At this point in the recovery process, you’ll be feeling good enough that you can start to get back to physical activities like exercise, as long as you do not strain yourself or risk any injury. Refrain from heavy exercise until the sixth week.

In One Year

The final results of the facelift will become fully evident over the next 12 months. The amount of time it will take for you to get back to an almost normal routine after the facelift is about two weeks, but the time it takes for all of the residual swelling and changes in skin sensation to resolve themselves is a whole year.

You need to remind yourself that you are the only one who will notice the most subtle side effects of your facelift. But after three weeks or so, it will be hard for anyone else to notice that you’ve had work done.

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation

With the help of Dr. Della Bennett, a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can get a successful facelift and look years younger! Get started today by contacting us and setting up your facelift consultation.

Post a Comment