Posted: January 15, 2018
While recovery from any plastic surgery procedure will vary somewhat from person to person, it is common for facelift patients to be able to resume most normal activities within one week of their procedure. Postoperative discomfort may be present for a few days following surgery, but can typically be handled through over the counter medications. Swelling and bruising will also be present for one to two weeks after facelift surgery. Proper care of incisions, taking time to rest, and following all of our pre and postoperative directions will help minimize these issues.
Indianapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata offers full, mini, and weekend-facelift options. A full facelift requires the longest recovery period, although a majority of our patients are able to resume most normal activities, even those that are more demanding, within two weeks. This period may be closer to one week with a mini facelift and 48 hours with a weekend lift. The most reliable way to find out how long you can expect your recovery to be and what you can expect during that time is through a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Fata.
Experienced, trusted, and friendly, Dr. Fata will take time to cover all aspects of your procedure to help you prepare for surgery. He will remain in close contact through your entire recovery period to help ensure your comfort and satisfaction. These follow-up visits are included in the initial cost of your facelift procedure.
Preventing Facelift Complications
Prior to undergoing a facelift, Dr. Fata will require that you stop taking certain medications, supplements, and herbs. If you are a smoker, he will require that you stop smoking as well. Some medications and supplements can delay the healing response. Nicotine will almost certainly produce thick, ropey scars if consumed during your recovery period. The only certain way to avoid these complications is to eliminate their source.
You will not be asked to discontinue medications that are necessary for your health, but an inability to cease certain medications may impact your facelift candidacy. In these cases, Dr. Fata can discuss other options, including nonsurgical fillers, Fraxel® laser treatments, and other effective but less-invasive options.
In addition to not putting certain things into your body in the weeks leading up to your procedure, what you do after facelift surgery will impact your comfort and results. Some of the things Dr. Fata may suggest during your recovery include:
- Limiting physical activity
- Keeping incisions clean and dry
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Using a compression garment
Your compression garment – a soft, elastic strap – will be used to replace your surgical dressings within one day of your facelift procedure. This strap encourages skin tightening and reduces swelling. It should be worn at all times during your first week of recovery. In subsequent weeks and until advised otherwise by Dr. Fata, it should be worn whenever you are not in public.
Dr. Fata will review all care instructions before your procedure and provide you with the resources you need to make the most comfortable recovery possible. During your free postoperative follow-up visits, Dr. Fata can address any specific concerns you are having to help make sure your experience is as positive and rewarding as possible.
If you have questions about facelift surgery or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please call Renaissance Plastic Surgery at 317-575-9152 today. Located in Indianapolis, Dr. Fata serves Noblesville, Carmel, Avon, Plainfield, and all surrounding areas of Indiana.
