How Long is Recovery from a Facelift?

A facelift is one of the most effective anti-aging procedures available to reverse sagging skin and deep furrows on the face. Afterwards, your complexion looks smoother and more youthful.

But how do you prepare for a facelift? What’s involved? And how long does recovery take? Let’s find out. 

*Individual Results May Vary

Facelift Preparation

Before getting a facelift, Dr. Greenberg may ask you to take some preparatory steps. Patients, for instance, should stop smoking. They may also need to discontinue their use of anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and some herbal supplements that increase bleeding and bruising. 

Before surgery, Dr. Greenberg will conduct a medical evaluation to ensure you’re fit for the operation. 

Since facelifts are a surgical procedure, you’ll also need help getting to and from Winter Park Plastic Surgery on the day. A trusted friend or family member will need to drive you home from the clinic and provide care for the first 48 hours. 

Facelift Procedure

Dr. Greenberg begins the procedure by giving you a general anesthetic. Once you’re under, he will then make an incision behind the ears or, sometimes, along the hairline, and apply tension to the skin. After pulling tissues upwards, he sutures them into place, removing any excess skin. Following the procedure, the face immediately looks smoother, tighter and more youthful. 

Facelift Recovery

In the first 48 hours of recovery, you’ll need a friend or family member to provide care and regular check-ins. You may also experience some pain during this time. Avoid all strenuous activities and prioritize bed rest and sleep. 

In the first week, you’ll start feeling like yourself again. After around two to three days, the swelling will begin to subside, with bruising that may last up to ten days. 

In a week or so, you’ll be able to go back to work. Makeup should cover any remaining bruising. The full effects of the facelift will become visible after around three to six months, once healing finishes. 

Facelift Benefits

Facelifts offer multiple benefits. These include: 

• Tightening sagging skin: A facelift lets you deal with sagging skin issues,including jowls. You can combine the procedure with a neck lift to reduce sagging tissue in the submental area too. 
• Reduce lines and wrinkles: Facelifts also let you reduce lines and wrinkles by pulling skin taut against the face.
• Remove excess fat: Some patients opt to remove fat from certain areas of their faces in addition to tightening their skin. 
• Look more youthful: Ultimately, facelifts make you look and feel reinvigorated. 

Who is a Candidate for a Facelift?

Suitable candidates for a facelift at Winter Park Plastic Surgery are individuals who have sagging skin around the neck, jawline and middle of the face. Ideally, candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations and be non-smokers.

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about what you can expect from facelift? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137