The recovery period after any surgical procedure can be somewhat daunting or off-putting for some patients, but when it comes to facial cosmetic surgery the risks are relatively minimal. Before you make the decision to go through with the procedure, though, it’s important to know exactly what you can expect during the facelift recovery period. As the days progress, you might notice different sensations and side effects, but it’s important to keep two things in mind during this time: certain side effects are a perfectly normal part of the healing process and every patient’s recovery process is different.
If you’re considering undergoing facelift surgery in the near future, then keep reading so that you can learn everything you need to know about the four stages of recovery.
Stage One: The First Five Days
The first few days post-surgery are always the hardest but once you make it past that initial hump, it should be smooth sailing as long as you take good care of yourself. You might need someone around to take care of you for a few days and help you with dressing, getting in and out of the shower, and light housework. Make every effort to refrain from doing any physical activities that could potentially cause an infection. Also, you might experience minor or moderate bruising and redness around the incision sites on your face. After the first two days, you should feel comfortable enough to completely regain your mobility around the house. Your doctor will also prescribe some pain medication to help you cope with any discomfort you might feel and ease the healing process.
Stage Two: 1-2 Weeks Post-Op
Around this time, remnants of the bruising, swelling, and redness around the incision sites might still be present but these side effects should already be showing signs of healing and you should be able to slowly reintegrate various physical activities back into your lifestyle. However, proceed with caution because, as mentioned, everyone heals at a different pace. If you notice any unusual sensations such as extreme pain, tingling, or a burning feeling then you should mention it during your follow up consultation with your physician.
Stage 3: 2-4 Weeks Post-Op
You should be able to return to work during the 2-4 week period without any incident, discomfort, or pain. Chances are most people won’t even realize that you’ve had any work done but they’ll notice that you look different. You can also resume exercise around this period, but it’s important to ease back into it and be careful to avoid any activities that could potentially injure your face.
The Final Stage
This is when you’ll start to notice the full effects of your facelift surgery. All of the bruising, swelling, and redness should’ve dissipated completely by now and you can resume your normal routine. Your doctor will most likely want to schedule multiple follow up appointments to check up on you and make sure your incisions are healing normally.
Consult an Experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon in Toronto
Dr. Andres Gantous at Toronto Facial Plastic Surgery is one of the leading and most renowned facial plastic surgeons in the world. He’s performed hundreds of facelifts in the past and has served as the keynote speaker at numerous worldwide conferences and symposiums regarding this type of procedure. To schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact us today!