Aftercare Instructions of Facelift

facelift aftercare
Facelift Aftercare Instructions by Medical Expert

FACELIFT AND NECKLIFT SURGERY AFTERCARE TIMELINE

  • First Days

What to Expect: You will experience swelling on the operation areas. Your drains will be removed around 3 days.

What to Do:  Until your check-up date, do not apply any cream or makeup on your face, and then confirm with your doctor. For the swellings, apply ice and cold compress on your face for the first three days. The swelling is expected to disappear after 3 days. 

firstday
  • 1-2 Weeks

What to Expect: You will notice that the swellings are improving. 

What to Do: Sleep on your back and use 2 pillows for the first week. This reduces the risk of post-operative bleeding and swelling. It also promotes healing. You should be careful with excessive facial movements for a week.

1 2 weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks

What to Expect: The swelling will gradually reduce and incision lines will improve. 

What to Do: You will look neat again and can resume your social activities. Sex is not recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.  Eat something easy to chew to avoid putting pressure on the stitches in your face. Do not consume hot drinks. Steam and heat are not recommended for your face for 3 weeks. You must wear your face garment for 3 weeks unless your doctor says the opposite. Also, during this time, it’s important to avoid any activities requiring you to push, pull or lift. You also shouldn’t bend over and do any heavy work or sport activities. Swimming pools are forbidden for the first 4 weeks. 

2 4 weeks
  • 3-6 Months

What to Expect: The facial features will continue to improve and scars will gradually get thinner, barely noticeable lines.

What to Do: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, staying active and also keep further protecting your face from the sunlight by applying sunscreen. You must protect your face (especially the incision area) from the sun for 6 months.

3 4 months
  • 6-12 Months

What to Expect: At this point, you are expected to see the almost full benefits of the surgery. 

What to Do: Continue your skincare routine as instructed by your surgeon and continue to protect your investment by trying to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can accelerate aging. If you have any concerns or questions about your results, reach out to our followup team at followup@mcanhealth.com, they are 24/7 available. 

6 12 months

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AFTER FACELIFT SURGERY


You shouldn’t wear makeup on or around the incision sites until they are healed, which means typically 2 weeks post-surgery. However, your surgeon will give you the most accurate instruction during your checkup. Also, you should stop using any makeup products containing chemicals. They are dangerous for your skin because the incisions affect your healing period.

It helps to support the tissues on the face as they heal and to reduce swelling. By providing gentle pressure, it also helps to maintain the contours that are achieved after the surgery. So it can aid in reducing  swelling and promote optimal healing. You should generally wear it for the first 3 weeks however your surgeon will provide the most accurate instructions during your checkup.

For any pain or discomfort, your surgeon may prescribe pain medications. Also, applying cold compresses to the face may both help pain and the swelling.

After facelift surgery, face massage is frequently advised to decrease swelling and improve overall healing as well as encouraging circulation. When done correctly and gently, it can promote the absorption of additional fluids and enhance lymphatic drainage, which results in a smoother healing period and more natural-looking result. However, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to proceed in your case, whether it is necessary or beneficial for you to perform the massage.

It’s strongly advised to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol during the facelift healing period. Because they slow down the healing process significantly by reducing blood flow to the skin which may result in necrosis (death of tissue). It’s advised to not use them for several weeks but you must definitely wait at least 2 weeks before smoking or consuming alcohol.
Note: Please be aware that each person’s body and reactions are unique. Therefore, be patient during the healing phase and stick to the surgeon’s and MCAN Health’s followup team’s instructions.

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Approved by Dr. Ceran Approved by Op. Dr. Ceran Plastic Surgeon Op. Dr. Ceran Email Logo Linkedin Logo

Dr. Ceran believes combining an artistic approach and technical expertise yields the most favorable patient results for plastic surgery. His proficiency extends beyond the technical aspects of plastic surgery as he is genuinely dedicated to comprehending the desires and objectives of his patients and assisting them in attaining the most optimal outcomes possible.

Published by MCAN HEALTH
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