Facelift Recovery Advice and Tips

A facelift is a plastic surgery operation in which the individual requests the surgeon to improve on several aspects of his or her face. There are several kinds of techniques in doing so but almost all of these methods require incisions and some trimming of excess skin and tissue. The incisions are usually done in places which manifest the least scarring making scars, if there are not noticeable. The hairline and natural creases of the skin are ideal places for this. Depending on what techniques are to be used, the duration of the procedure may last for several hours. This may also happen if two lifts are to be done on the face. In cases where there are more lifts or if the session is expected to be extensive, the surgeon will schedule it into separate sessions for safety reasons.

The Operation

The procedure itself entails separating the skin from the fat and tissues under it. The surgeon will then trim of excess skin, fat and tissues in order to get a new shape or contour of the face. Usually, the chin and the jowls are primary places where excess skin and fat may occur. Under and above the eyes are also possible places where these may accumulate. The doctor usually discusses the necessary things that he should do to the patient long before the surgery is actually done and the consent of the patient is vital for the facelift. It is important that the doctor do not over trim the skin to prevent a windswept look with overly contoured cheeks and nose. This will make the patient look gaunt, with skin stretched too tightly over the skull.

Recovery

Pain and discomfort is to be expected from the procedure. Pain medications will be prescribed by the surgeon to ease the discomfort from the facelift. A degree of numbness may be present from the time directly after the surgery up to several days. If the numbness lasts up to two weeks, consult the doctor about this. Some swelling may occur but this will go down after several days. If the swelling is persistent, go back to the doctor and have it checked. Bruising may also occur but this should be minimal only if there is any at all. It is important to ask whether an ice pack may be applied on the area of the procedure or not. The way that it is applied will be taught by the doctor if he or she allows it.

Inflammation and infection are two of the things that the patient should be wary of. These are complications that may need longer and more intensive treatment. It is important to follow the advice and recommendations that the doctor prescribes or writes down regarding what to take and what to do during the recovery duration. The exact number and dosage of the medication should be followed. Self medication can be dangerous. If the patient feels that the prescription is too much, ask the surgeon for alternatives. It is important that the entire face be kept from excessive movement or activity (holding and touching) for several week, in order for it to heal.