Facelift: Q&A

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Facelift Recovery

Thinking about a facelift, but concerned about taking time off work. When can I go in public without looking like a freak (or like I just had facelift surgery!)?

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downtime healing recovery

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75 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (75)
Community Comments (1)

Recovery time after a facelift...

A facelift is an excellent procedure that can help patients look younger by improving facial wrinkles and tightening loose skin and muscles. The healing process can vary, because there are different techniques and every patient heals differently. After a minifacelift you will have some swelling and bruising, which should only last around 7 days or so. After a full facelift, the swelling and bruising may last 10-14 days. Most patients can return to work... more

Recovery from facelift takes many forms

Recovery from a facelift takes many forms. Physical recovery. Social Recovery. Recovery of sensation. Because it is your face, the interruption in social activities is often the hardest part of the recovery. Pain: Most patients have only mild pain after a facelift and it is usually gone in one or two days. I give only Tylenol #3 since stronger medications are not needed. Driving: I allow patients to drive after 4 days if they are off pain meds. Before this, some mild neck... more

Facelift recovery is 2 to 3 weeks

When will I recover from a face lift? Facelift recovery is not a grueling process but it will take 2 to 3 weeks. Your final suture is removed 7 to 9 days after surgery, depending on the surgeon and technique used. There are a few things to know: 1. You're best served by allowing yourself a minimum of 2 weeks before being around other if you don't want them to notice something has been done. Even the most natural facelift shows a little residual... more

Chase Lay, MD

18 reviews

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.chaselaymd.com

Going out after facelift

I usually tell my patients that if they are going to be in a “high profile” situation – such as a wedding – to allow themselves a full six weeks for healing prior to the event. Otherwise, my patients seem to feel comfortable with their appearance at about two weeks.

George John Alexander, MD

3 reviews

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Face lift recovery

Recovery from a facelift can vary tremendously , but in general you can look socially acceptable after seven to ten days. You will not feel totally normal for six weeks. Back to work ( depending on what you do, i.e. no heavy lifting) is about two weeks.It's easier for a woman because they can wear make-up. Wishing you the best, Tal Raine MD FACS

Talmage J. Raine, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Facelift recovery is not as bad as you think

Two weeks for most of bruising to resolve and all sutures removed. One month of no heavy lifting and straining. Most of the swelling is gone in the first month, but residual swelling can take a few more months to settle. The less active one is after surgery, the faster the swelling seems to resolve. Patient's usually do not have pain, but more of a "tight" sensation that relaxes somewhat over the coming months.

Recovery after a facelift

Recovery after a facelift depends on the type of surgery performed. More extensive lifts may cause more bruising or swelling. Expect to return to normal daily activity after 5-7 days. 2 weeks after a facelift, you can start working out again. Most patients can get back to their normal social activities at 2-3 weeks. I use homeopathic treatment, herbal remedies such as arnica, and special cooling masks to expedite recovery which my patients love and appreciate.

Facelift downtime?

You should be able to return to normal life activity within 2-3 days. Returning back to work with makeup should be possible within a week. You should look pretty normal and not "freaky" within 7-8 days. Things you can do to minimize bruising... Minimize alcohol for a week before and after surgery Ask your surgeon for an Aqua-Cool -It is a mask that pumps 50 degree Farenheit water constantly to your face. It really works awesome. PreOperative and p more

Facelift recovery takes 2 weeks after surgery

My first answer to this question is another question: what is your tolerance for being seen with some degree of bruising? If you have anxiety about being seen in the early postoperative phase, my answer is 2 weeks. However, I have patients who work from home, and some who are less concerned about being seen in public. Generally, the latter group can be out and about in 4-5 days (best case scenario). This being said, some patients have a less smooth recovery due to anesthesia or other... more

How long is the recovery for a face lift?

The short answer is: two weeks. After two weeks, most of the bruising and swelling has resolved, and makeup can cover the scars fairly well. Obviously, the more extensive the operation, the longer the recovery. Facelift patients don't experience significant pain, and most stop taking narcotic pain medication after three to five days. The sutures are removed within a week, and patients may wash their hair and apply makeup after three days.

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Comments (1)

sjturner 3 Mar 2013

I recently had a facelift. The doctor told me if I wasn't to vain I could probably be back to work in 3-4 days. Way wrong. It has now been two weeks, I'm still a little swollen and have some minor bruising. I would not plan on anything less than two weeks, three if you can afford it. I have to go back tomorrow.

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