How to Take Care of Your Face After a Facelift

When you have your facelift surgery, you will go home with a detailed list of instructions. Following them carefully will minimize unnecessary pain and the risk of infection or swelling. Taking care of your face while it heals is just as important as choosing a qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.

Here’s how you take care of your face after a facelift.

Immediately After Surgery

Plan on having another adult on hand for the first 24 hours after surgery. It’s absolutely necessary to get as much rest as possible to allow the healing to begin. This person should be ready to help with food, taking medications, and other tasks to minimize your need to move around.

During surgery, the medical team will apply dressings that you must leave in place until you visit the surgeon 24 hours after the procedure’s done. The dressings are placed in such a way to facilitate the initial stages of healing.

Be prepared to sleep in an elevated position for the first seven days after surgery. Many patients choose to sleep in a recliner or use at least two pillows to sleep in bed. Sleep with the back of your head on the pillow for the first two weeks.

Take pain medicine before your face gets painful. It will help with rest and sleep, which speeds up the healing process.

Plan on a restricted schedule for the first 7 to 10 days. Spend this time resting so that after the first week, you feel ready to resume normal activity.

During the Healing Period

Your face will be healing for several weeks after your Rhytidectomy surgery. The first couple of weeks are critical for healing. Here are some care tips.

Mild bleeding is not unusual around the surgical incisions. Go to bed, elevate your head, and apply ice packs around your face and neck. The bleeding most often occurs when blood pressure increases due to increased activity. It’s best to refrain from vigorous activity for at least 10 days after surgery.

Skin will swell after the procedure. This is a normal occurrence after any surgery. Swelling may increase the first couple of days. It should start to decrease after the third day. You will receive directions on how to apply ice packs and how to wear an elastic wrap to support the tissues as they heal.

You will receive pain medication after surgery. Use it as needed for the worst pain. For mild pain, use Tylenol every few hours. Avoid ibuprofen as it can increase bleeding. Follow the directions for using pain medication very carefully.

It’s important to eat regularly during your recovery. A high-calorie, high-protein diet will give the skin the nutrients it needs for rapid healing. Keep your water intake high to avoid bowel issues.

These are simply the basics for taking care of your face after a face lift. You will receive more detailed instructions after your surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office immediately. The staff here at Prysi Cosmetic Surgery stand ready to help throughout your recovery.