My doctor did not schedule me for any further follow up appointments for my Face Lift, is this normal?

I see my patients fairly often in the first month after facelift in and periodically for up to two years. Generally these issues are established before the patient consents to the operation.

No.Typically, there should be frequent follow up for at least a year.  Ideally, the surgeon should see you the next day and perhaps 1-2 times the first week at a minimum.  Frequent follow up allows you to ask questions, clarify the post-operation plan, provide re-assurance (if necessary), and catch potential healing issues early, thereby avoiding long term problems and insuring an excellent result and experience. I hope this helps.

Each plastic surgeon will have different followups, depending on the type of surgery and patient preference. Generally, most facelift patients are seen 1 day after surgery and 1 week after surgery. Followup afterward is more variable, but usually at least 1 more office visit at 1 month. Many plastic surgeons also want to see their patients one year after the original procedure.Some patients travel very far for plastic surgery, so any visits after the first week are primarily dependent on the patient's travel schedule. For example, we may defer the 1 month plastic surgery visit to 3 months for appropriate patients who visit our Washington DC office from Pennsylvania, New York, or Connecticut. Every situation is unique. Regardless, contact your plastic surgeon and confirm the next postop appointment.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Dear lachicanueva, Facelift patients are typically seen at one week, 2 weeks and one month. The subsequent follow up appointments would be determined at the one month appointment. It is unlikely that your surgeon would see you at one week and then not schedule any more appointments. I would call the surgeon's office and discuss with them. Even if that is their usual schedule, if you wish to be seen again they should be happy to accomodate you. Good luck!

It is unusual to just have one follow up.  However if it was minimal surgery, and you and him/her are happy, then maybe that's all that is necessary.  Nonetheless, one week for a facelift is usually too short a time to determine that everything will heal properly and both parties are satisfied. 

I would recommend calling your Surgeon to make sure that you are able to have the follow up which you deserve as a patient.  Extended follow up is fairly customary after a bigger procedure such as a Facelift. Since the full result and healing can take as long as 12 months,  I see my patients for one year and beyond after a Facelift.

Every surgeon has their own preference for followup care.  Our practice likes to closely monitor a patient's healing process.  Patient are seen at 24hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 4 weeks, and 6 months post op.  At these intervals, a patient recovery can be monitored, and many patient will choose to have ancillary procedures performed such as Botox, Dermal Fillers, or Laser Resurfacing.  

This is likely an oversight. Every facelift surgeon wants to know how their patients are doing during the early recovery (i.e., first 6 weeks) and in the long run. Healing will not be complete before 6 months after the face lift, therefore most surgeons schedule a late follow up after 6 to 12 months. I would recommend to contact the surgeon's office and schedule your follow up. 

I recommend that you call your surgeon's office to make a followup apportionment.  It would be very unusual to see a patient only once after a face lift, and I'm betting that this was a mistake or a miscommunication and that your surgeon is looking forward to seeing you again soon.Best wishes!

Each practice has different philosophies on surgery followup. Customarily we like to see a 10 day, 2-3 weeks, and 6 weeks result on facial surgeries.  On many occasions with patients that come from long distances or leave out of state or out of country, a 6-10 day follow up will suffice. If you see things that concern you or wish some additional reassurances such as for scattered numbness, tightness, and soreness-------- be proactive ---------and schedule a 2 to 6 week follow-up yourself.  Our general worry is the patient who will have major surgery and leave too soon when the postop visits were discussed before surgery.  I have had patients leave town 4-6 days after breast reduction, facelift, and rhinoplasty very satisfied, but I was distressed that I needed to see them at 7-10 days.  We  have the patient sign beforehand that they need followup for X number of days to insure a safe outcome.   When the procedure is straight forward and healing is usual, patient postop visits can be extended.  For the new patient and one who may be more anxious, we like to see them more frequently. Just call the office and let them know you wish another visit.  Many practices have a large out of town clientele. Often, the first 6 days can tell us how you will do especially if swelling is minimal.  Don't be a stranger, just contact them.