Facelift recovery and swelling?

First and foremost, its best to remain patient. It is still early in to your recovery. The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

I have my patients wear an elastic wrap around the chin and ears for a few days after the procedure. The dressing can be taken on and off as needed but it does help to have something to protect and provide gentle compression while healing. The recovery time is approximately 7-10 days to look 'restaurant ready', (Complete healing takes longer). The dressing also serves as a reminder to be careful with the areas worked on during the initial healing phase. 

Right now we send our patients home from surgery with an ACE wrap on for the first night. Post op day # 1 they come back into the office and we remove the wrap and they wear nothing for the next week until the sutures come out. In the past (20 + years) I have left patients wrapped longer, I have used drains, and this is what currently works in my hands. 

Thanks for the question. It takes 3-4 weeks for your body to recover and return to daily life without any problems. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for your questions.  In my opinion I would only use a compression mask if a patient had neck liposuction, as this helps control swelling.  My patients which just have a facelift, I feel this is not necessary to wear a compression mask.  Tape will be put over incisions to protect and my patients will use the following protocol as a guideline for their recovery:Here is a list of “Do’s and Don’ts”:Do use a cool pack on the incisions as this will help reduce any residual fullness.Do continue with painkillers if required, as around 5% of patients will have some ear pain which will settle within a week or two. Do shower and hair wash daily.Do resume normal activities however avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 2 weeks post procedure.Don’t apply any make up, moisturiser or oils to the incision line until advised by us. Don’t allow pets of any variety to share a bed with you and avoid allowing pets near your face for the first four weeks after your procedure. Allowing pets near your face has the potential to result in an infection. However being vigilant will help reduce this risk.Do be vigilant with hand hygiene.Do notify us immediately if you have any concerns or notice any increased redness, heat around the incision or if you have any discharge from around the ear.Once you have seen your plastic surgeon for your follow up, they may advise on when you can start massaging the incision areas and the best technique to use. They may recommend the use of scar improvement oils such as Bio-oil.All the Best with your recovery!

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by. Between the first and second week, much of your swelling and bruising will dissipate. I generally recommend patients use compression for the first week non-stop with the exception to shower.  For the second week, I encourage them to use a whenever they can but for ~12 hours a day if possible.It may take more than a month or two for your tissues to fully soften and any residual swelling to resolve. Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace. I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.

Good question. Different surgeons vary in their approach to having
patients wear garments. However, beyond about 1 week there is no evidence that
compression will affect the long-term result. Many surgeons including myself
have the patient wear no compression garment postoperatively. In my hands,
compression has no effect on the outcome, and it is uncomfortable and confining
for the patient. If I am doing submental liposuction only (it is always part of
a facelift) I do find compression useful for 48 hours, and night wear for 5
nights, because the tissues have not been tightened. Thanks for asking.

While the use of a compressive garment is not essential, I prefer my patients to wear it for the a portion of the day for the first few weeks after surgery. This helps limit swelling, speed up social recovery, and prevent complications. I generally ask patients to wear the garment at least 4 hours a day while they are up and moving about at home, but not to sleep in it so it does not fold on itself and create creases in the skin. Good luck.

Hello,While many doctors suggest this, i do nt have my patients wear any type of compression garment.  The reason… by using a laser to dissect the tissue, there is less bleeding, residual trauma then when I did not use a laser to dissect during the surgical procedure.  In terms of your current situation, please consult with your doctor to determine the best post operative course for you.   

I used to not have patients wear a compression garment following facelift.  Now I do, but I make sure it is not too tight.  They can help limits some of the swelling.  Also they can hide bruising, if it is present.  Two weeks.