The initial recovery stages of any surgery, including a Facelift, can be a challenge because you’re not feeling or looking normal. Patience is key. Even as your body is healing, a large portion of recovery is emotional, too. Continue to remind yourself of your “why.” How will looking at least 10 years younger make you feel? Imagine yourself at the next big event where you’ll receive all the compliments of how young and healthy you look. This is a light at the end of the tunnel, as your body goes through the physical and emotional healing process.
Month 1: Getting Back to Normal
Fortunately, once you get through the first 2 to 3 weeks after your Facelift, you should start to feel encouraged as you see the swelling and bruising go down. The rippled or puckered incision sites should smooth out. This really helps with camouflaging them with makeup or hairstyle. Your confidence will increase as you start to venture out and are able to resume more daily activities. Even though there will still be some bruising, swelling and tightness, you will probably feel confident and comfortable enough with covering them with makeup. Most people can return to work by the 3rd week.
However, don’t get overconfident and push yourself too hard. You’ll want to be very conscious of protecting your skin and incisions from the sun, also. Incisions will probably remain pink or red until they fade away over a year’s time, but any exposure in the sun can darken the scars permanently.
Month 2 and beyond
Once you’re past the first month, the Facelift recovery process significantly improves. Even though your healing still has a ways to go before you feel completely normal, it will be encouraging to feel confident enough to get out and about. Incision site, swelling and bruising won’t look completely healed in the first 6 months, but you’ll probably be the only one to notice their slight effects. Any tightness will resolve as you get more comfortable in your new youthful skin.
Choosing a triple board certified surgeon, such as myself, ensures the Facelift surgery will be executed with precise artistry and safety. Your self care during recovery is just as significant of a role in the successful outcome. Remember that even as you’re feel much better in the months following your Facelift, it’s important to continue to be as diligent with the good skin care habits that have been necessary for healing.
You want to protect your investment and take the best care of your skin so that the results will last as long as possible. Let’s talk about how we can partner in the process of an amazing rejuvenating Facelift to turn back the clock a decade or two. Winter is a great time to get the process started. Schedule your consultation at www.davinciplastic.com today.
Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon
