4 Tips for a Smooth Facelift Recovery
The recovery time following facelift surgery is crucial to the outcome of the procedure. Our board-certified plastic surgeons emphasize the importance of following post-operative guidelines for a smooth recovery. While every patient experiences a unique healing process, Dr. Lorri Cobbins and Dr. Brian Braithwaite explain that facelift patients can generally expect some swelling and bruising in the beginning, as well as minor discomfort that can be reduced with medication.
To avoid complications during the weeks following your surgery, our plastic surgeons recommend the following to anyone who has been considering or has recently undergone facelift surgery:
- Give yourself enough time for recuperation. It is extremely important to take your time and relax while your body heals. When you push yourself too much, this is when more bruising and swelling can occur.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco during the recovery. This cannot be stressed enough. While patients may think smoking won’t have a significant effect on their body’s ability to heal, the truth is, tobacco products can affect your circulation, leading to preventable complications.
- If you wish to lose weight, do so before the operation. Losing a significant amount of weight after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure can affect the positive results you have achieved. Losing weight prior to your surgery may allow your surgeon to factor in additional skin laxity or volume loss.
- Verify that you are seeing a qualified professional. To ensure you will receive the best results possible, it is vital that you seek the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has undergone extensive training and upholds the highest safety standards.
For most patients undergoing a facelift, the recovery process lasts about 10 to 14 days; however, Dr. Cobbins and Dr. Braithwaite state that this can vary according to the health of the patient and details of the operation. Should you choose to incorporate additional procedures, such as an eyelid lift or brow lift, your recovery may take longer. The specifics of your recovery will be discussed with you in your consultation.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cobbins or Dr. Braithwaite. We can personalize your procedure to help you find the most beneficial solution for your unique needs.