Posted: May 23, 2012
Recovery time after a facelift varies depending on the type of facelift procedure you have performed. In general, you can expect your recovery to take anywhere between one to three weeks. Endoscopic facelift procedures enjoy the shortest recovery time, while a full facelift will generally take the longest. Recovery time for procedures such as a mid facelift or mini facelift will be somewhere in between these two ends of the spectrum.
You should expect to experience some bruising, swelling, and tenderness during the initial stages of your recovery. Your head and face will most likely be loosely bandaged to help promote proper healing. Some ways to reduce post-operative swelling include:
- Drinking lots of fluids
- Limiting your sodium intake
- Getting plenty of rest
- Avoiding strenuous activities
- Keeping your head elevated
Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Jon Harrell can prescribe medication to alleviate any discomfort you are feeling. He will also provide you with detailed instructions to follow regarding caring for your incisions and changing your bandages. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
You should resume activities gradually. At first, limit your activity to some light walking and stretching. It may take about a week to resume regular activity, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.
Dr. Harrell will closely monitor you during your recovery to make sure everything goes smoothly. We encourage you to call our office any time you have questions or concerns regarding your facelift recovery.
Please contact The Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery today to schedule your initial facelift consultation. Dr. Jon Harrell serves patients in Miami, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, and Davie, Florida.