Aging is an inevitable process, but if
you feel self-conscious about facial creases, loss of skin tone or
firmness, and sagging, a facelift can help you look younger and feel
more confident. Prepare yourself for your facelift before your
surgery to minimize the risk of complications, and follow
post-procedure steps to heal properly.
Before the Procedure
You'll have at least one thorough
consultation appointment before you set a surgery date for your
facelift. Prepare yourself for this appointment so you don't leave
anything out.
Gather all of your medical information
before your consultation appointment. Your surgeon will ask you about
any chronic medical conditions you have, medications and supplements
you take, allergies, past injuries, prior surgeries and any past
reactions you've had to anesthesia, and lifestyle habits, including
your daily diet and whether or not you smoke.
Make a list of the areas you want to
target so you can discuss your hopes for the outcome of your surgery.
Ask your plastic surgeon for patient testimonials and pictures so you
have a good idea of their work.
Your surgeon will examine your skin and
bone structure, measure your face, and take multiple photographs from
different angles to decide how best to operate on your unique facial
structure.
Keep an open mind - your surgeon will
let you know if your expectations are realistic and work with you to
come up with the best plan for the procedure, so you may change your
ideas on what you want done.
Your surgeon will also discuss cost and
any pre-surgical instructions, such as stopping certain medications
or quitting smoking before your surgery date, at your consultation
appointment.
After the Procedure
The recovery process after a facelift
takes about a month for full healing, but you won't see the full
results of the procedure right away. While you can expect some
improvement in your appearance in the first weeks, many patients'
faces take a year to show the ultimate contouring effects of the
surgery.
Contact your surgeon immediately if you
experience signs of infection, including pus, pain that doesn't get
better after taking medication, excessive swelling or redness, and a
fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, during the healing process.
Week 1
The first week of your recovery will be
the toughest. You'll have your head bandaged immediately after your
surgery, and your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to take for
the first few days to minimize discomfort.
Get plenty of rest, and keep your head
elevated to minimize swelling during early recovery.
Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up
appointment two or three days after your surgery to check your
incision and dressings. Swelling and bruising will begin to subside
near the end of the first week.
Week 2
By the end of the second week you
shouldn't have to wear a dressing over the incision. You'll be able
to start doing some gentle activity, like walking and light
housekeeping. Some facelift patients return to work at the end of the
second week if they have sedentary jobs.
Weeks 3 and 4
Your surgeon will remove your sutures
sometime between the end of the second and third week depending on
how your healing is going. You'll start to see the contouring effects
of your facelift near the end of the first month, though you'll
likely still have some swelling.
Most patients are able to return to
exercising and lifting by the end of the first month.
Week 5 and Beyond
You might have slight swelling and
bruising for several months after the procedure. Everyone around you
most likely won't notice these effects, but you may be able to tell
when you look in the mirror. Your facial skin might feel tight due to
swelling for two to three months after your surgery.
Protect your skin from the sun by
wearing a sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 every day to help
prevent further premature aging after your facelift.
Keep in touch with your surgeon
throughout the healing process, especially if you experience any side
effects that seem abnormal.
Ronald C. Barry, MD, is an experienced,
board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Saginaw, Michigan. Contact
us
today to set up an appointment for a consultation.
