Rhytidectomy, popularly known as facelift plastic surgery, is designed to combat the signs of aging in the neck and face. Patients can achieve a more natural and youthful appearance by reducing unwanted wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls. 

It’s hard to put an absolute number on the recovery since it is dependent on your unique anatomy, age, and health status among other things. Stemming from this, you can enjoy better results by knowing what to expect and diligently following postoperative care instructions.

Highly recognized board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides facelift surgery to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.

Week 1 of Facelift Recovery

You should follow postoperative incision case during the first week. Make sure you keep the area clean to prevent the development of infection. 

 

• Day 1: You may feel sleepy and unsteady. You should have someone drive you home and care for you. You would need pain medications more to stay on top of discomfort. 

• Day 2: Follow-up visit will be scheduled by your surgeon around this time. They will change or remove your surgical dressings. The surgeon’s team will also evaluate your swelling and incisions. The team will redress the area if everything looks normal and good. 

• Day 3: You should start feeling a little better by day 3. In relation to this, rest is recommended. You should move about a little bit to enhance blood flow. This will ensure quicker recovery. Swelling and bruising is usually maximum around this time even though they will present for a few more weeks. You should take pain medications if you feel any discomfort. 

• Day 4 – 6: Most people don’t need prescription pain medications by this time. You should notice your swelling going down. You would feel more comfortable. Your cosmetic surgeon may permit you to perform light housework. 

 

Week 2 of Facelift Recovery

You will likely notice bruising and swelling around the targeted areas during this week. In some cases, the swelling is accompanied by tightness, tingling, and numbness. This is common following a facelift. You should not be too concerned about it. You may be ready to return to work within the second week. Your surgeon will recommend light walking and other exercises to maintain good blood flow in the body. 

Week 3 and 4 of Facelift Recovery

Depending on your particular facelift plastic surgery technique, the removal of sutures may take place around this time. The residual tightness and swelling at the end of week 4 may dissipate to a large extent. Chances are that you would look and feel much better by this time. Most patients begin seeing real improvements after a month. 

You should be able to resume exercising and other physical and outdoor activities that you enjoy. There may be a few remaining outwards signs of the procedure, if any. The incision site will still have a pinkish-red hue. This should fade on its own with time. It may take up to an entire year for minor bruising, swelling, numbness, and tightness to resolve.

Reliable facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA and nearby areas for facelift cosmetic surgery.

Contact Us For a Consultation with Southern California Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.