Facelift Plastic Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Recovery Time

Prior to the facelift procedure and just after the cosmetic surgery is over, the patient will receive instructions about post-operative recovery. To ensure a safer and easier recovery, it is essential for the patient to follow these instructions. Patient’s clear understanding about the recovery process will reassure them and help them prepare in advance for it.

Dr. Wright Jones is a double board certified plastic surgeon providing facelift surgery and various other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Jones will discuss the recovery process at length with his patients. He provides facelift to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA, and surrounding locations.

Immediately After Facelift

Following the completion of facelift plastic surgery, the patient’s face will be wrapped in bandages to help minimize swelling and bruising. Drain tubes will be inserted under the skin behind the ear to prevent fluid accumulation. The surgeon will prescribe pain meds for the first three to five days to keep the patient more comfortable.

Most patients will experience post-op swelling, numbness and skin discoloration to some extent after the surgery. The patient should avoid bathing or showering until they receive the surgeon’s go-ahead. The head should be kept in an elevated position as far as possible for the first few days.

First Week

The patient should take plenty of rest at home during the first week after facelift surgery. However, short walks within the home are encouraged because it will improve blood flow and prevent clotting. In about a week after the surgery, the sutures and drain tubes will be removed. In the first week, the patient should:

• Keep the bandages clean and dry and change them as directed
• Empty the drainage regularly and measure with a cup as instructed
• Do not wet the face until allowed by the surgeon
• Use cool compresses around the eyes
• Visit as scheduled for a post-surgical follow up

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jones receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA, and nearby areas for facelift and various other procedures.

Subsequent Weeks

Although bruising will begin to subside rapidly from the second week, swelling will go away gradually over several weeks or months. Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine or go back to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days after a full facelift surgery.

A few restrictions that will still apply in the initial few weeks include:

• Keeping head in a slightly raised position for the first two weeks
• Avoiding strenuous exercises for about three weeks
• Avoiding swimming and sauna for about one month
• Refraining from smoking as per the surgeon’s advice
• Not wearing certain types of makeup for one month

Complete Recovery

The patient should visit the surgeon’s office for follow up appointments as scheduled in the months following the facelift. If any post-operative complications arise, the surgeon should be informed. As the recovery progresses over several weeks, swelling will gradually dissipate and full effects of facelift will be established.

See all plastic surgery procedures that Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Wright Jones performs of the face, nose, body, and breast in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA and surrounding areas.