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!)?
Answer: 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 stiffness may make driving safely more difficult since you may not turn your head as far to look for cars.
Swelling and Bruising:
Recovery from a facelift involves bruising (usually down low along the neck) and swelling which increases some each day for the first 4 days after surgery. On the 5th day after surgery this begins to improve rapidly and usually by the 7th or 8th day after surgery makeup can be applied. Patients often tell me with a scarf and some sun glasses they can run quick errands. At this stage they would not necessarily want to run into a close friend if they are trying to be discrete.
Dinner With Friends:
For a patient to sit down to dinner with friends and not be asked any questions, I believe it takes about two weeks. Occasionally a very dark bruise may not be completely gone but can be effectively covered with makeup. About 80 % of the swelling is gone so the remainder is hard to detect. Sometimes a slight change is hairstyle can be used to help explain away any differences a close friend might notice.
Exercise:
I ask patients to wait on exercise and heavy lifting until 3 weeks after surgery. Otherwise I don't limit their activities
Numbness:
Mild facial numbness seems to always go away completely but takes about 9 months. Fortunately this does not bother most patients especially once they realize its temporary.
Helpful 36 people found this helpful
Answer: 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 stiffness may make driving safely more difficult since you may not turn your head as far to look for cars.
Swelling and Bruising:
Recovery from a facelift involves bruising (usually down low along the neck) and swelling which increases some each day for the first 4 days after surgery. On the 5th day after surgery this begins to improve rapidly and usually by the 7th or 8th day after surgery makeup can be applied. Patients often tell me with a scarf and some sun glasses they can run quick errands. At this stage they would not necessarily want to run into a close friend if they are trying to be discrete.
Dinner With Friends:
For a patient to sit down to dinner with friends and not be asked any questions, I believe it takes about two weeks. Occasionally a very dark bruise may not be completely gone but can be effectively covered with makeup. About 80 % of the swelling is gone so the remainder is hard to detect. Sometimes a slight change is hairstyle can be used to help explain away any differences a close friend might notice.
Exercise:
I ask patients to wait on exercise and heavy lifting until 3 weeks after surgery. Otherwise I don't limit their activities
Numbness:
Mild facial numbness seems to always go away completely but takes about 9 months. Fortunately this does not bother most patients especially once they realize its temporary.
Helpful 36 people found this helpful
March 12, 2018
Answer: Facelift Recovery The recovery process after a facelift is not as bad as many people expect. It typically isn't a terribly painful procedure and most patients are off of narcotic pain medications after a day or so. Depending on the the type of facelift a drain maybe placed that is removed on the first day after the procedure. The head wrap placed after the procedure is also removed and a smaller dressing is used for the next several days. Sutures are removed by day 7 and most of the bruising and swelling is gone 10 days. Most patients are sociable by 10-14 days with make up. Some are out and about a day or so later. There is subtle swelling the requires 3-6 months to fully go away The most common complaint is that things feel tight. This is normal and will go away with time.
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March 12, 2018
Answer: Facelift Recovery The recovery process after a facelift is not as bad as many people expect. It typically isn't a terribly painful procedure and most patients are off of narcotic pain medications after a day or so. Depending on the the type of facelift a drain maybe placed that is removed on the first day after the procedure. The head wrap placed after the procedure is also removed and a smaller dressing is used for the next several days. Sutures are removed by day 7 and most of the bruising and swelling is gone 10 days. Most patients are sociable by 10-14 days with make up. Some are out and about a day or so later. There is subtle swelling the requires 3-6 months to fully go away The most common complaint is that things feel tight. This is normal and will go away with time.
Helpful
December 5, 2024
Answer: Public Ready after a facelift
When it comes to healing everyone recovers at there own pace. Generally after a full face lift I tell my patients that they will be ready to be seen in public in approx. 14 days. That being said many people are comfortable being seen in 5 days. Things that may help in your recovery are : 1. good pre-op condition 2. healthy diet 3. arnica, bromelain and steroids for swelling and bruising and inflammation. Hope this helps.
Dr C
Helpful 10 people found this helpful
December 5, 2024
Answer: Public Ready after a facelift
When it comes to healing everyone recovers at there own pace. Generally after a full face lift I tell my patients that they will be ready to be seen in public in approx. 14 days. That being said many people are comfortable being seen in 5 days. Things that may help in your recovery are : 1. good pre-op condition 2. healthy diet 3. arnica, bromelain and steroids for swelling and bruising and inflammation. Hope this helps.
Dr C
Helpful 10 people found this helpful
Answer: Time Away after a Facelift This depends on the individual's perception. Typically after a facelift, most patients can begin to go out in public around 10-14 days post-surgery. By this time, much of the swelling and bruising will have significantly reduced, and any remaining marks can often be concealed with makeup. However, it's advisable to avoid large social gatherings or important events until about 4 weeks, as this allows for more of the bruising and swelling to resolve. Some patients may feel comfortable running errands or meeting with close friends earlier, but for major events, waiting a bit longer may help ensure you look your best without significant stigmata of surgery. Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated Double Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon New York, New York
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Answer: Time Away after a Facelift This depends on the individual's perception. Typically after a facelift, most patients can begin to go out in public around 10-14 days post-surgery. By this time, much of the swelling and bruising will have significantly reduced, and any remaining marks can often be concealed with makeup. However, it's advisable to avoid large social gatherings or important events until about 4 weeks, as this allows for more of the bruising and swelling to resolve. Some patients may feel comfortable running errands or meeting with close friends earlier, but for major events, waiting a bit longer may help ensure you look your best without significant stigmata of surgery. Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated Double Fellowship Trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon New York, New York
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October 17, 2024
Answer: One to Two Weeks Typically, the downtime for recovering from a facelift is one to two weeks. There will be some bruising and swelling after your facelift, but this generally subsides over two weeks. If you are planning a big event, we advise that you have your facelift at least eight to twelve weeks beforehand. There should be minimal discomfort, as Dr. Rankin uses a long-acting local anesthetic to improve overall recovery time. You can choose an outpatient or inpatient surgery for your facelift, which will be performed at one of our surgical centers in Greenbrae or Walnut Creek, conveniently serving the entire Bay Area. With either option, you will be sent home with minimal facial dressings to promote healing.
Helpful
October 17, 2024
Answer: One to Two Weeks Typically, the downtime for recovering from a facelift is one to two weeks. There will be some bruising and swelling after your facelift, but this generally subsides over two weeks. If you are planning a big event, we advise that you have your facelift at least eight to twelve weeks beforehand. There should be minimal discomfort, as Dr. Rankin uses a long-acting local anesthetic to improve overall recovery time. You can choose an outpatient or inpatient surgery for your facelift, which will be performed at one of our surgical centers in Greenbrae or Walnut Creek, conveniently serving the entire Bay Area. With either option, you will be sent home with minimal facial dressings to promote healing.
Helpful
October 15, 2024
Answer: One week with friends, two weeks for public engagements After a week, most people can see family and friends and look fine with some bruising. After two weeks, patients can go out in public and return to work with make-up to cover minor bruises.
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October 15, 2024
Answer: One week with friends, two weeks for public engagements After a week, most people can see family and friends and look fine with some bruising. After two weeks, patients can go out in public and return to work with make-up to cover minor bruises.
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