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What is the recovery time after a facelift?

What is the recovery time after a facelift?

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A brief summary of the article:

initial facelift recovery is around two weeks for a return to light activities, the first month sees the biggest improvements in swelling and bruising, and most patients are back to normal around 6 weeks post surgery as numbness dissipates and they can resume all regular activities. Complete healing often takes 6 months.

The facelift recovery timeline is:

Week 1 

  • Swelling and bruising peaks at around 3-5 days after surgery. Face will look puffy..
  • Bandages and facial dressings are removed within a week.
  • Pain and discomfort is moderate but controlled by medication.
  • Sleeping upright and icing helps minimize swelling.
  • Stitches will be absorbed or removed after about 5 days.

Weeks 2-4

  • Swelling improves significantly but lower face may still feel stiff.
  • Numbness around the incisions is normal during this time..
  • Most patients return to desk work 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Walking and light household chores are possible by the end of week 2.
  • Head dressing remains night and day to control swelling for up to 2 weeks.

Weeks 4-8

  • Swelling continues to go down and results become more visible.
  • Bruising has usually fully subsided by week.
  • Strenuous exercise and vigorous activity can typically be resumed after 6 weeks.
  • Numbness and tingling should gradually disappear over next few weeks.

Typical steps to expect on the day of your facelift surgery in iran

 Preparation 

  • Do not eat or drink anything starting midnight the evening before surgery.
  • Wash your face gently and remove any make-up, contacts, jewelry etc.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that do not need to be put on over your head.

Arrival 

  • Check in at the surgical facility and complete any remaining paperwork.
  • Nurses will start IVs, take vital signs, and prepare the surgical areas.

Right Before Surgery 

  • You will meet with your surgeon to mark surgical sites or make any last minute changes.
  • An anesthesiologist will discuss the sedation/general anesthesia options with you.
  • Nurses will escort you into the OR when ready..

The Surgery

  •  Facelift surgery typically takes 2-6 hours depending on the extent of work..
  • Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan you agreed upon beforehand.
    If receiving local anesthesia with sedation, you’ll be relaxed but not fully asleep.

Post Surgery 

  • You will wake up in the recovery area where nurses will monitor you.
  • Once stable, you may go home or stay overnight depending on your condition.
  • You’ll have facial dressings and likely a head wrap that must stay until your follow-up.

Overall you can expect a smooth ongoing process with visual markings, discussions of the surgical plan, anesthesia, the operation itself, and recovery room time before discharge.

read more: Which Country Has the Most Face Surgery?

Approved by: Doctor Mohsen Fadaie

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Picture of Doctor Mehdi Ahmadi
Doctor Mehdi Ahmadi
Body and Facial plastic surgeon Providing all beauty services of body, skin, facial cosmetic surgery, etc., specialized with more than 10 years of experience and 1,000 successful cosmetic surgeries.

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