Age 62, will I get wrinkles sleeping on side after facelift?

Question

I am 62 years old. I want to have a facelift/necklift due to wrinkles on chest, sides of eyes, and jowls. If after I have a facelift, do I now have to sleep on my back to prevent wrinkles? I've slept on my side all my life

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Most surgeons ask patients to sleep on their back with the head elevated during the early healing period after a facelift or neck lift. This is mainly to reduce swelling, avoid pressure on the incisions, and protect the lifted tissues while they are settling. That restriction is usually temporary, but you should follow your own surgeon's instructions.

Long term, side sleeping can contribute to sleep lines on the face, chest, and neck, especially as skin becomes thinner with age, but it does not usually undo a well-performed facelift. A facelift improves jowls, jawline, and neck laxity; it does not fully prevent future aging or treat chest wrinkles. Lines around the eyes and chest often need separate treatments such as skin care, laser, resurfacing, neuromodulators, fillers, or chest-specific procedures depending on the issue.

If you are a lifelong side sleeper, discuss this before surgery so your surgeon can give a realistic plan for the first few weeks. After you are healed, good skin care, sun protection, stable weight, and not smoking will usually matter more than forcing yourself to sleep on your back forever.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Wrinkles are skin related condition and will not dissappear after face lift or eyelid surgery. Treatments like Botox, chemical peels, laser, fillers may be good options, or combination of these. However, face/neck lift will address neck and face laxity and shape. Other procedures like fat and nano-fat grafting can further enhance facial rejuvenation. Sleeping on your back is needed for few days after face lift. This topic is best to be discussed in consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in face lift and facial rejuvenation. Hope this helps.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

After the initial perioperative period and depending on when your Surgeon allows, you can sleep on your side.  This will not cause a detrimental effect to the results of your facelift.  Things like rapid weight gain and loss, smoking, excessive sun exposure are factors that can decrease the longevity of your result.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Whatever sleeping position you are going to be in after your surgery is irrelevant to developing wrinkles. It is Important just Keith your head above your heart when sleeping for the first week or so to reduce swelling. In our practice, we place drains underneath the skin in the neck to reduce the amount of bruising and swelling from the procedure itself. Choose your surgeon wisely by studying their before and after facelift photo gallery which should be extensive with lots of natural results.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I don’t know if lying on your side will make any difference at all. I say, enjoy the results of your facelift and sleep however you want. Don’t worry about sleeping in your side. I can’t imagine it will make much difference.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not necessary to sleep on your back after a facelift or necklift to prevent wrinkles, but it can help. Sleeping on your back can reduce pressure on your face and prevent the development of new wrinkles or exacerbation of existing ones.

However, it's important to prioritize your comfort and the quality of your sleep, especially as you recover from surgery. If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable, you can try using a pillow to prop yourself up slightly or sleeping on a recliner for the first few weeks after surgery.

It's also important to keep in mind that a facelift or necklift is a surgical procedure with potential risks and complications, and it's not a one-time solution to aging. Even after the surgery, you may still develop new wrinkles over time. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine to help slow down the aging process and maintain the results of your surgery.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Sleeping on your face will encourage more wrinkling since you are smushing your face at night when you are on your side. Tried to turn some and be partially on your side and sleep on your head and not your face.

Jeffrey S. Yager, MD · Answer

Sleep position is very important immediately after facelift procedures, especially for the first weeks. If you are unwilling to change to a back sleeper, try alternating sides and a satin pillowcase to avoid marking your face.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Hi there, this is a great question. You only need to sleep on your back temporarily after the facelift to prevent blood from accumulating in one side of the face and to prevent the skin from getting distorted. After the first week you can return to sleeping on your side. At this point it will not make much difference if you sleep on your side or on your back since you are getting a facelift/necklift. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon as this surgery is complex. Good luck!

Age 62, will I get wrinkles sleeping on side after facelift?

Answers (9)

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