Facelift: The Recovery Timeline for Facial Rejuvenation Patients By Hadi Rassael on August 05, 2014

An older woman smiles out in a fieldPatients throughout the greater Washington DC area rely on the expertise of Dr. Hadi Michael Rassael. He has been able to achieve excellent facial rejuvenation results, making patients look years younger and more refreshed. A facelift is a great anti-aging option for getting rid of wrinkles and lines, and the recovery process is rather straightforward. Let's look at the timeline for healing after facelift surgery is performed.

What to Expect Immediately After Facelift Surgery

Soreness, discomfort, and grogginess are all common after facelift surgery. This is common given the amount of work performed and the nature of the procedure as well as the effects of anesthetic. It's important for patients to get a lot of rest with their head elevated.

Activities to Avoid While You Are Healing

Certain activities will be off-limits as you are healing, particularly in the first days or weeks. Some activities to avoid include:

  • Strenuous physical activity
  • Bending over
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Sexual activity
  • Makeup
  • Earrings
  • Swimming
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Using blow dryers
  • Saunas and steam rooms

Your surgeon will tell you when you can resume these activities during follow-up visits following the initial surgery.

What to Expect In the First Days After Facelift Surgery

In the first days after facelift surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Rest is crucial for wellness, and patients are instructed to avoid sleeping on their side to prevent irritating the surgical incisions. The use of prescription or recommended over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to deal with acute discomfort.

What to Expect In the Weeks After Facelift Surgery

By the end of the first week after facelift surgery, patients will have returned to the practice for a follow-up visit of some kind. This will be to monitor healing progress and any particular patient needs.

By the end of two weeks, bruising and significant swelling will have diminished greatly and patients should be able to return to work. Swelling will still be present, though it will continue to fade in the months ahead.

The Recovery Experience for the Months Ahead

Patients will be able to return to many normal activities that they used to enjoy after the first month and afterward, though this should be done with the guidance of the cosmetic surgeon. All people heal in different ways, so some patients may be able to return to certain activities sooner than others.

Scarring from surgery should fade and blend in with the surrounding skin while also disappearing into the hairline. Patients may notice numbness and tingling as they heal, which is normal. This is expected to taper off as the months continue to go by.

As patients are healing, they should do their best to eat healthy, stay well-hydrated, and use sun protection when outdoors to improve their overall recovery experience. Staying in contact with the practice from the beginning of healing through the weeks ahead is also advisable as this allows pressing needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Options for Facial Rejuvenation and Wrinkle Reduction

If you would like more information about facelift surgery and how it can help you achieve all of your anti-aging and wrinkles reduction goals, be sure to contact our cosmetic surgery practice today. The entire team at Millennium Medical looks forward to your visit and helping you look your very best.

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Dr. Hadi Rassael

Millennium Medical

Our cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Hadi Rassael, offers the communities of Washington, D.C., Chevy Chase, MD, and surrounding areas a relaxing boutique spa experience. He offers a number of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic treatment options including:

To schedule a consultation at our cosmetic surgery office, contact us online or call (301) 652-9005.

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"I highly recommend them for any type of surgery. No matter where you are in the world, this doctor and his team are the best to visit." Neneh K.

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