12 Dec Facelift Recovery: 3 Tips For A Speedy Healing Process
Speedy Recovery After Facelift
An increasingly popular procedure, more than 230,000 people in the US get a facelift each year. The surgery creates a younger look by removing excess fat, tightening facial muscles, and redraping the skin to promote a smoother appearance. As with all major surgeries, patients must go through a recovery period after the procedure before the new look can be revealed. However, a few tips can help speed up recovery, allowing people to enjoy the new face sooner.
Realistic expectations
The recovery period after a facelift will vary depending on the exact procedure performed, the patient’s age, and any other underlying medical conditions present. Most people will be sent home after surgery with drainage tubes and a bandage on the face. The first week of recovery is often the most intense, with swelling and bruising peaking. Pain medication will be prescribed and can be taken to manage any discomfort. During weeks 3-4, the stitches are removed, and patients can slowly return to normal activities. After a month, most people have completely recovered from surgery. While patients can benefit from having realistic expectations of healing, certain behaviors can help speed up this recovery timeline.
1. Rest and move
While this may seem counterintuitive, rest and movement go together after surgery. In the initial days of recovery, getting plenty of rest is essential. Ask for help around the house, and don’t overexert. Take frequent breaks, sit or lie down when possible, and follow any activity restrictions the doctor recommends. That said, getting moving after surgery is equally important. Patients should focus on light walking to get the blood moving and prevent blood clots from forming. A few simple laps around the house, followed by more rest, can promote quicker healing and minimize the risk of possible complications.
2. Stay out of the sun
After surgery, scarring is possible. However, many scars will fade over time and become almost unnoticeable. Staying out of the sun during the initial recovery period can help keep the skin as healthy as possible, allowing the body to heal properly and reduce the appearance of scars. If a patient needs to venture outdoors, ask the doctor when sunscreen can safely be applied. Alternatively, long sleeves, pants, and a sun hat can help protect the skin.
3. Take medications, avoid alcohol
People who have a facelift done will be sent home with prescription strength pain medication. These drugs should be taken as directed for optimal results. Healing can happen sooner by managing the pain early on and allowing the body time to recover. Since many pain medications can negatively interact with alcohol, patients should steer clear of any drinking during the initial recovery period to avoid dangerous interactions. Additionally, excessive drinking can negatively affect the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and slowing down healing.
Quicker road to recovery
A facelift is an exciting procedure that ushers in a new look that will last for years. Rest and movement, staying inside, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding alcohol can all help speed up recovery. A commitment to health during the post-op period can result in a speedy recovery and quicker public reveal of the fresh new face.