From Planning to Recovery: Understanding the Face Lift Process
Are you someone who is looking to undergo a facelift procedure? If so, this is the article for you. Many people feel slightly overwhelmed when it comes to doing their research on cosmetic procedures such as a facelift. What is important to note is that a facelift procedure is something that occurs over time and does not offer instantaneous results. In order to further understand the face lift process, today we’ll have a look at everything you need to know right from the planning stages to recovery. Sit back, relax and let’s get straight into everything you need to know about your upcoming facelift procedure.
Finding A Reputable Cosmetic Surgeon
When it comes to the first stage of planning your deep plane facelift in Melbourne, finding a reputable cosmetic surgeon whom you feel comfortable with is step number one. The ideal surgeon will vary from person to person, but as a general rule of thumb, you should feel comfortable in the hands of your surgeon. Ask all the questions you need and ensure that your surgeon of choice is transparent and realistic in the services they can offer you.
Once you have visited your chosen surgeon for your initial consultation, you will then proceed to make the final arrangements for your facelift surgery. Your doctor will provide you with all the details necessary about the date and time of your surgery, along with anything else you may need to know to get yourself ready for your procedure.
48 Hours Before Your Facelift
Ensuring that you follow your surgeon’s instructions for pre-operative care is incredibly important as it will help prevent any surgical or recovery complications down the road. Most surgeons will suggest that you refrain from consuming any alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours prior to your surgery as alcohol will dehydrate you and prolong your recovery period.
It is also important that you refrain from smoking 48 hours before your surgery as the chemicals in cigarettes can cause changes in your blood and make it thicker, sticker and more likely to clot.
The Day Of Your Surgery
On the day of your surgery, ensure that you have showered and washed your hair early in the morning. Do not use any hair products or cosmetics on your face prior to your surgery. Facelift procedures can take anywhere between 3-6 hours depending on your individual needs. Do note that facelift surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure and that you will be put under general anaesthesia. You can expect to be warded at the hospital for 1-2 nights after your surgery. In some scenarios, you will simply be monitored for a few hours after your surgery and then sent home.
It is important that you ensure you have organised a responsible adult to pick you up from hospital as most hospitals will not allow you to leave on your own. It is advised that you also get someone to stay with you day and night for the first 36 hours after you are discharged.
Day 3 – On day three, you should start feeling better and be able to move around gently. Rest is still very important in this early stage, so don’t over exert yourself. Continue to take medication if you experience discomfort.
Days 4 – By the 1 week mark, most people will no longer require prescription pain medication. Swelling starts to subside and you will feel more comfortable to do your daily activities.
Week 2 of Recovery
On week 2, you’ll likely still have significant swelling and bruising. You may also experience some numbness and tingling which is common and should not cause any concern. At the end of the second week most people report feeling 90% better and many are ready to return to work again. It is important to keep your head elevated for the first few weeks after your procedure. We recommend resting in a semi reclined position on 2-3 pillows, on your back which will help hasten your recovery.
Weeks 3 and 4
Depending on the healing process, your surgeon will decide on when it is best to remove your stitches between the week 3 to 4 mark. At this point, you may still have some residual swelling and tightness. For the most part, you’ll find that you’re feeling great and you’ll start to notice the changes in your face. You can now resume exercising and your daily activities. Incision sites may leave a small scar, but fret not because they will fade over time.
What To Expect After 1 month
After the one-month mark, your life should have resumed back to normal. Do note that it can take up to 12 months for you to notice the full effects of your facelift procedure due to factors such as swelling, minor bruising and numbness. Generally, most people will notice the huge change in your appearance from the one month mark, and your results will steadily keep improving for the next 12-18 months. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon.
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A facelift procedure is something that you should do your full research on prior to making the decision to go under the knife. Please keep in mind that the above information only represents general timeframes. All patience will have a unique experience, and it is important that you strictly follow the directions provided by your cosmetic surgeon.
First Week Of Recovery
Day 1 – One day after surgery, you may feel a little groggy and unsettled. It is important that you have someone with you to help you care for yourself in the first week of surgery. Day one is also when you will need most pain medication to stay on top of discomfort.
Day 2 – Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit on day 2 where he or she will remove your dressings and evaluate your swelling/incisions. If all is well, post-operative care will be reviewed again and you will then proceed to go home to rest.