Facelift surgery can have a very positive effect on a person's self-image and the results can be quite dramatic. There are many procedures that can be performed during the surgery procedure, including work on the nose area (rhinoplasty) and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Some of the more intrusive surgeries that involve the deeper facial tissues, like the SMAS lift, can be quite extensive and involve considerable downtime. The healing and recovery process is very important after surgery, and persons who have undergone the procedure should be aware that they can aid in the healing process by following some simple guideline tips
Post Surgery
There might be short-term headaches or nausea if a local anesthetic was used during surgery. The doctor will have applied a large, soft dressing tapped in place on the face. It is important to keep this bandage in place for as long as the doctor recommends, usually a day or two. It can then be removed and replaced by an elastic covering that will help to contain and reduce swelling. The doctor may do a quick follow-up within the first few days and install small tubes to allow the drainage of excess blood and fluid. These first coverings are extremely important and should be left in place for the exact duration stipulated.
Following Days
The following days of recovery may produce some discomfort or localized pain in the face region. A patient can ask their doctor for his recommendation of the most appropriate painkiller. A simple pain medication like acetaminophen might be all that is needed. The strength of the pain medication will depend upon the tolerance for pain and doctor's advice. Some, or a lot of swelling, may occur from 24 to 48 hours (or sooner) after the procedure. There might be indications of bruising which produce black and blue areas on the face. The bruising and swelling is the natural healing ritual of the body and is quite normal, lasting for about 2 weeks or so. Some puffiness may linger as well as some facial asymmetry, but this is normal and should pass after the 2-week mark. A patient may inquire from the doctor about the use of herbal applications, like bromelain or Arnica montana - this will help to keep the bruising down. Likewise, cold compression to the face will aid in reducing the bruising and swelling.
General Recovery Practices
A patient should avoid any excessive turns or tilts of the head, flexing of the neck or massage of the face in the first week of recovery. Any strenuous exercise or lifting should be left out of the daily routine for a month or more, and this is especially crucial right after facelift surgery. Severe muscle and tissue strain could result in bleeding and lead to infection. Hair washing is generally allowed around the second day of recovery and it should be performed delicately, with no pulling of the hair or vigorous scrubbing. Concealment makeup may be applied about 1 week after surgery, depending upon the amount of healing.
Patients should avoid smoking or smoke-filled rooms during any phase of the healing process, since tobacco will retard the regeneration of new cells and it could cause red scarring and tissue separation. This also applies to alcohol consumption which slows down the healing process. Direct sunlight should be avoided, since even the slightest sunburn may negatively complicate or increase swelling and cause an unwanted skin discoloration.
The face should be elevated as much as possible during the first two weeks of sleeping. This can be solved by using two pillows instead of one and several others used to keep the body propped in the inclined position. A wedge-shaped neck pillow will work if placed on top of a regular pillow, and this will also keep the mobility down to a minimum.
A patient will see a definite return of facial normalcy (contour) within about 3 weeks. However, the numbness or puffiness to the face may take several months to completely disappear. During this time, the skin might feel scratchy, dry and even rough in places, but this can be resolved with the use of a doctor-approved skin moisturizer. The incision scars may require six months or more to completely heal and fade from view.
It is important for any person who has had facelift surgery to realize that the healing and recovery process takes time and patience. It cannot be hurried along. If for any reason complications, abnormal swelling or bruising, pain or leakage is discovered, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.
Post Surgery
There might be short-term headaches or nausea if a local anesthetic was used during surgery. The doctor will have applied a large, soft dressing tapped in place on the face. It is important to keep this bandage in place for as long as the doctor recommends, usually a day or two. It can then be removed and replaced by an elastic covering that will help to contain and reduce swelling. The doctor may do a quick follow-up within the first few days and install small tubes to allow the drainage of excess blood and fluid. These first coverings are extremely important and should be left in place for the exact duration stipulated.
Following Days
The following days of recovery may produce some discomfort or localized pain in the face region. A patient can ask their doctor for his recommendation of the most appropriate painkiller. A simple pain medication like acetaminophen might be all that is needed. The strength of the pain medication will depend upon the tolerance for pain and doctor's advice. Some, or a lot of swelling, may occur from 24 to 48 hours (or sooner) after the procedure. There might be indications of bruising which produce black and blue areas on the face. The bruising and swelling is the natural healing ritual of the body and is quite normal, lasting for about 2 weeks or so. Some puffiness may linger as well as some facial asymmetry, but this is normal and should pass after the 2-week mark. A patient may inquire from the doctor about the use of herbal applications, like bromelain or Arnica montana - this will help to keep the bruising down. Likewise, cold compression to the face will aid in reducing the bruising and swelling.
General Recovery Practices
A patient should avoid any excessive turns or tilts of the head, flexing of the neck or massage of the face in the first week of recovery. Any strenuous exercise or lifting should be left out of the daily routine for a month or more, and this is especially crucial right after facelift surgery. Severe muscle and tissue strain could result in bleeding and lead to infection. Hair washing is generally allowed around the second day of recovery and it should be performed delicately, with no pulling of the hair or vigorous scrubbing. Concealment makeup may be applied about 1 week after surgery, depending upon the amount of healing.
Patients should avoid smoking or smoke-filled rooms during any phase of the healing process, since tobacco will retard the regeneration of new cells and it could cause red scarring and tissue separation. This also applies to alcohol consumption which slows down the healing process. Direct sunlight should be avoided, since even the slightest sunburn may negatively complicate or increase swelling and cause an unwanted skin discoloration.
The face should be elevated as much as possible during the first two weeks of sleeping. This can be solved by using two pillows instead of one and several others used to keep the body propped in the inclined position. A wedge-shaped neck pillow will work if placed on top of a regular pillow, and this will also keep the mobility down to a minimum.
A patient will see a definite return of facial normalcy (contour) within about 3 weeks. However, the numbness or puffiness to the face may take several months to completely disappear. During this time, the skin might feel scratchy, dry and even rough in places, but this can be resolved with the use of a doctor-approved skin moisturizer. The incision scars may require six months or more to completely heal and fade from view.
It is important for any person who has had facelift surgery to realize that the healing and recovery process takes time and patience. It cannot be hurried along. If for any reason complications, abnormal swelling or bruising, pain or leakage is discovered, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.
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