Anticipated Postoperative Recovery
During the first day, you will have a dressing in place and, in some cases, drains. The first week brings the most bruising and swelling. By the end of that week, any drains are typically removed (though Dr. Namin uses drains less and less frequently in facelift surgery) and all permanent sutures are removed.
Bruising is largely improved by two weeks, though it sometimes lingers a little longer. The timing of returning to social life and public-facing events varies from patient to patient: some feel comfortable at two weeks, while others prefer to wait closer to three to four weeks due to persistent swelling. By three months, the results are really beginning to shine.
Numbness over the cheek, and sometimes the earlobe, is expected after surgery and typically resolves over the course of one to two months. The incision lines will still have some pink or red pigmentation at two weeks, but most patients are able to wear makeup by the end of the first week to help cover this.
Activity & Care Guidelines
- Take Arnica Montana for the first four days after surgery to help minimize bruising.
- Gentle walking around the house and store is encouraged beginning the day of surgery.
- Avoid twisting your neck for the first three weeks after surgery.
- Avoid driving the first week after surgery, and preferably the second week as well.
- Light exercise may be resumed two weeks after surgery; vigorous exercise may be resumed at four weeks.
- Sleep on your back with slight head elevation (1-2 pillows for comfort). Do not flex your neck or elevate your head excessively.
Anticipated Postoperative Timeline
Day of Surgery. Dr. Namin will meet with your family or friend once the procedure is complete. You will wake up with a dressing around your face and, in some cases, two drains in place. You will typically spend one to two hours in the surgical facility afterward. It is important that someone stays with you the first night after surgery.
Post-Operative Day 1. You will return to clinic so Dr. Namin can see you. The facial dressing is removed, and the skin and incisions are checked.
Post-Operative Days 2-5. Bruising and swelling typically peak during these days. Cool packs may be applied to the face for up to 20 minutes at a time every few hours. Dr. Namin and/or his team will typically check in with you once during this period.
Post-Operative Day 7. You will return to clinic. Sutures are typically removed at this visit.
Post-Operative Day 10. You will return to clinic so Dr. Namin can check your healing. If you are traveling from out of town, you may plan to return home on this day.
Post-Operative Weeks 2-3. Swelling continues to decrease during this time. Avoid turning your head excessively, and resume gentle exercise in a graduated fashion.