Recovery after a facelift requires patience and careful attention to ensure the best possible results. This article covers everything you need to know about the post-operative period: managing swelling and bruising, follow-up appointments, activity restrictions, and long-term care for your results. Our surgeons at Blooming provide guidance on how to support healing, when you can return to work and social activities, and how to maintain your refreshed appearance over time.
A pressure bandage, drains, stitches, and a swollen face: a facelift is an extensive procedure. Good preparation for the period following the treatment is therefore advisable. To make things a little easier for you, we have compiled a number of tips for after the facelift.
- You may not drive a car for up to one week after the treatment. If you do so, which is irresponsible, it is good to know that you will not be insured during the week following the treatment. Therefore arrange in advance someone who can pick you up after the treatment and drive you to any doctor's appointments during the coming week.
- Do not eat heavy meals after the treatment. Due to the anaesthesia you may feel nauseous, and a heavy meal will exacerbate this. You must avoid vomiting, as this increases the risk of secondary bleeding or congestion.
- Sleep on your back and sleep with your face elevated, for example on two pillows. This stimulates the healing process and reduces the risk of secondary bleeding and swelling.
- Avoid chewing food intensively and therefore eat soft food during the first week after the treatment. With too much chewing, the stitches will come under pressure, which is not beneficial for the final result.
- After 24 hours you may shower again, and the wounds may also get wet again! You may not use creams or make-up for as long as the stitches remain in the face.
- Take two weeks off. The face will still be very bruised and swollen during the first two weeks. After these two weeks you will be 'presentable' again and can slowly start working again.
- During the first three weeks after the treatment you must not strain, bend over, or lift. This is to avoid congestion or any secondary bleeding.
- Do not undertake strenuous sports activities during the first six weeks. You may gently walk and cycle again from one week after the treatment. This is even recommended, as it stimulates blood circulation and wound healing. Exercising too strenuously will have the opposite effect.
- The scars must not be exposed directly to the sun during the first six months. Also, after the stitches have been removed, always apply an SPF cream to the scar to protect it from the sun, even in winter!
- To fade the scars you can use special scar cream. This also increases the chance of a beautiful healing result.