A rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is a procedure that helps remove the visible signs of aging. If you have wrinkles or sagging skin on your face that bothers you, you can opt to get a facelift.
If you are considering a facelift procedure in Philadelphia, PA, you should know the recovery period you need.
The recovery time of a facelift is not overly long, but it depends on your age, health, and type of procedure performed. Following the doctor’s instructions helps in recovering quickly.
Read on to learn more about recovery from a facelift procedure in Philadelphia, PA. These tips can help your recovery and the amount of time it takes to recover from a facelift.
Recovering From a Facelift
If you are considering a facelift procedure in Philadelphia, PA, you should know that the recovery time is between four to six weeks. However, this varies from one patient to the other depending on health status, age, and the procedure done.
Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure. The procedure takes about 2 to 5 hours, depending on the procedure chosen. After the procedure, your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to take care of the incisions, a prescription, and a follow-up date.
There are four stages of recovery from a facelift.
Stage 1: First Week
After the procedure, you will wake up to a large wrapping on your head. The wrapping helps minimize bruising and swelling. You will need a caretaker to drive you home and take care of you at least for the next 24 hours, as you will be dazed and tired from the procedure.
The second day can be painful as the anesthesia will have left your system. Take pain medication to help reduce the pain. Typically, you should have a follow-up with your surgeon on the second day to evaluate your swelling and change the dressing.
You should be able to move around the house within the first two days after the procedure. However, it would help if you took it easy for the first week. You will have a lot of swelling and bruising for the first four days. Try sleeping on two pillows to reduce the swelling.
By day four, the swelling will start to go down, and you may not need the pain medication. It is vital to keep your circulation high after this. You can do some light housework to keep yourself active; if you notice any unusual swelling, like one side of the face swelling more than the other, contact your doctor immediately.
Stage 2: 7 to 14 Days Post-Surgery
During the second week, you may have some swelling and bruising; some people feel tightness, tingling, or numbness. This is all common after a facelift procedure in Philadelphia, PA, and should not worry you.
After the second week, you may return to work; however, avoid strenuous activities.
Stage 3: 15 to 30 Days Post-Surgery
During weeks 3 and 4, the doctor will remove the sutures, depending on the procedure and your healing process. The incision site will smoothen out after the surgeon removes the sutures.
You will begin to feel better at this, but you should avoid strenuous activities. You should also avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen to protect yourself.
Stage 4: 30 Days Post-Surgery
After one month, it will be hard to tell if you had a procedure done. You can go back to your daily routine; you will have some minor numbness and swelling, which only you will notice. The final results will be evident 12 months after the procedure. Ensure you follow the doctor’s instructions to help you recover smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Procedure in Philadelphia, PA
What are the tips for a quick recovery after a facelift procedure?
- Wear wraps and compression garments
- Use a cold press to reduce the swelling
- Quit smoking
- Take lots of rest and sleep
- Take time off work for at least two weeks
- Eat light foods that are easy to chew
- Keep hydrated
- Do not scratch your face
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions
- Protect the face with sunscreen, and don’t stay in direct sunlight
What is the recovery time after a facelift?
The recovery time of a facelift is four to six weeks depending on your health, age, and procedure.
Who is eligible for a facelift procedure?
You are a good candidate for a facelift if:
- You are a non-smoker
- You are physically healthy
- You have realistic expectations of the results of the procedure
What are the possible risks of a facelift procedure?
Like any other surgery, a facelift has possible risks of complications. Some of the potential risks are:
- Infection
- Anesthesia issues
- Numbness
- Scarring
- Wound healing issues
- Facial nerve injuries
- Persistent swelling and bruising
- Changes in skin color
