What to Expect during Facelift Recovery: A Timeline By Vishnu Rumalla on July 27, 2014

Over the past decade or so, advances in facelift techniques have allowed plastic surgeons to produce increasingly refined and natural-looking results for patients wishing to rejuvenate their faces. Especially when performed by a plastic surgeon with the experience, talent, and keen eye for aesthetics of Dr. Vishnu Rumalla, patients can expect exceptional results that will last for years.

Although facelift surgery has evolved into an extremely safe and effective means of turning back the hands of time, it remains an invasive surgical procedure. Before patients commit to undergoing facelift surgery, Dr. Rumalla explains the procedure in detail, from the pre-operative instructions to the recovery period, so that patients understand exactly what to expect at every stage. During initial consultations at his plastic surgery practice in Fort Worth, the facelift recovery timeline is discussed in open, honest terms so that patients can make confident decisions about whether to proceed with treatment.

The Facelift Recovery Period: A Timeline of Events

The day of the procedure: Depending on the extent of your facelift procedure, you may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two to ensure your safety. If you are allowed to go home on the day of surgery, you will have to arrange for someone to drive you from our office and help you out around the house for a day or two. Unless advised otherwise, you will be able to shower the day after your facelift surgery.
The first few days after the procedure: In the days following the procedure, it is very important that you follow the post-surgical instructions provided to you by Dr. Rumalla to the letter. This includes taking all medication that is prescribed as instructed, including antibiotics to prevent infection. During this time, you will also be advised to keep your head elevated and as still as possible, even while sleeping. Some light walking is encouraged, but you will primarily be resting.
The first two weeks after the procedure: During the first two weeks after your facelift surgery, you will likely experience discomfort or even pain, which can be controlled through prescription medication. You will also experience significant bruising, swelling, skin discoloration, and numbness that will gradually subside during this period. You should expect to take at least one, if not both, of these weeks off from work and refrain from exercise and other strenuous activity.
The first four months after the procedure: During this time, you will begin to see the results of your facelift truly reveal themselves. After the first two weeks, you will gradually be able to return to your normal activities, although strenuous activity should be kept to a minimum until Dr. Rumalla gives you the okay. If you smoke or consume alcohol, you should try to abstain for as long as possible during this period, as these activities can interfere with proper healing. If possible, you will want to quit smoking altogether to ensure the longevity of your facelift results.