Facelift Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Facelift surgery offers a variety of benefits. Reducing the signs of aging doesn’t just improve your appearance, it improves how you feel in general. Many of our patients who undergo a facelift to reposition sagging tissues and tighten the skin look so much like their younger selves that they feel a surge of youthful energy and interest in their life. It brings us a great deal of joy to see the positive impact a custom facial procedure can make. We can help you enjoy the positive impact in your life, too. But first, we’ll answer the big question.

What to Expect after Facelift Surgery

A surgical procedure of any kind can be intimidating until you know what to expect during the recovery process. Patients should be prepared for

• Swelling. While discomfort is what patients are most concerned about, swelling may be the primary side effect they encounter. After surgery, a dressing is placed around the sides of the face to apply gentle pressure on the incision sites and area of treatment. Swelling, as well as comfort, can improve with cold compresses (apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time) and with elevation. Patients may sleep with their head elevated for about one week.
• Bruising. Some people experience quite a bit of bruising after a facelift, and some develop only minor bruises. The good news is that, by the two-week mark, even substantial bruising is typically 90+ percent better.
• There is a potential for numbness. Not everyone experiences this side effect, but it is not uncommon. Numbness relates to the minor disruption in the nerve endings in the mid and lower face during surgery. As nerve endings reconnect, full sensation should be restored.

About Discomfort

The pain aspect of recovery is typically right up there with wanting a good result from surgery for most patients. Fortunately, patients ease into the sensations of their new facial structure as their general anesthesia wears off. By the time soreness in the surgical area begins, it is time to take the first dose of prescription pain medication. Taking this medication as directed, rather than waiting to feel uncomfortable, is the best way to ensure a stress-free recovery. Within a few days, soreness paves way to a generally tight sensation that may coincide with the numbness we mentioned.

Learn more about facelift techniques and how this procedure can give you your younger self back. Schedule a consultation in our Denver office at 303.399.7662.