What to Expect after Facelift Surgery
The aging process is not always kind. It can leave the face looking tired, saggy, and wrinkled. Loose skin, loss of volume, jowls, deep wrinkles, and creases are just some of the unpleasant signs of facial aging. Fortunately, all of these issues can be addressed through the facelift procedure. Both men and women alike can benefit from facelift surgery. To serve all of the needs of our Buffalo plastic surgery patients, we offer the mini facelift, standard facelift, deep plane facelift, and the endoscopic mid facelift procedures. Utilizing a facelift technique best suited to your unique needs, we can restore a smoother, more youthful and refreshed appearance to your facial contours allowing you to feel as good on the outside as you do on the inside.
Facelift Recovery
Depending on the type of facelift surgery, you may be able to go home the same day of surgery. Typically, facelift surgery is performed under anesthesia. Because of this, it is normal for Buffalo facelift recovery patients to awaken from surgery feeling slightly groggy or sometimes a little nauseous. To help combat any nausea after surgery, medication isgiven. You may also awaken to a drainage tube inserted behind the ear. This is to help prevent blood and other fluids from collecting under the skin. Your face will also be bandaged. These bandages are placed to help reduce swelling and bruising after your facelift procedure.
Patients should expect to experience mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling during the facelift recovery phase. Pain medication will be prescribed to help alleviate your pain once you are recovering at home. Antibiotics arealso prescribed to help prevent infection after surgery.Arnica Montana is a natural supplement that Dr. Sherris suggests for his patients to decrease bruising and swelling. A low dose steroid pill may also be given for a few days after surgery to minimize swelling.
It is vital that patients keep their heads slightly elevated and still during the first few days of the recovery process, especially when sleeping. This is to help reduce post-operative swelling. Another way to help minimize swelling is by staying well hydrated.
Patients should keep all bandages completely dry. Instructions on showering or bathing will be given by the surgeon. Patients should expect to experience swelling and bruising after undergoing facelift surgery. To promote healing and to reduce swelling, we encourage patients to relax after surgery and not engage in strenuous activities, including exercise and housework, for the first twoweeks following their facelift surgery. Patients will see results within the first few weeks after the facelift procedure as the healing process occurs. Many patients feel able to return to work within one to two weeks after undergoing facelift surgery. In order to promote proper healing, patients must continue to get extra rest during the entire facelift recovery phase. Patients should also avoid alcohol, steam rooms, and saunas for the first month after facelift surgery as these are dehydrating.A low sodium diet also helps to prevent water retention and swelling.
Learn More about Facelift Surgery
If you want to rejuvenate your appearance and reverse the signs of facial aging, you may be an ideal candidate for facelift surgery. To learn more about facelift surgery and the recovery process, please contact the Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery today. Buffalo plastic surgeon David A. Sherris and his skilled staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
