How Long Will You Have Swelling After Facelift Surgery?

Education and preparation are key when it comes to a comfortable, speedy, and successful recovery after facelift surgery. Award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi is committed to ensuring Beverly Hills facelift patients know what to expect during facelift recovery and understand facelift aftercare guidelines in order to reduce the risk of complication and achieve the most aesthetically pleasing result possible. Use this helpful information to get a better idea of what to expect after facelift surgery, including how long recovery may take and when your postoperative swelling should resolve.

How can facelift surgery help me look younger?

Common signs of facial aging that can be improved or reversed with one or more cosmetic facial procedures include:

• Sagging skin
• Drooping jowls
• Loss of facial volume
• Hollow cheeks
• Heavy eyelids
• Crow’s feet
• Drooping brow
• Forehead lines
• Lines and wrinkles
• Facial folds
• Downturned mouth
• Lip lines
• Hanging neck skin
• Neck bands
• Double chin
• Turkey neck
• Tired or angry appearance

How is facelift performed?

Because every person has a unique set of concerns, features, and goals, facelift surgery offers a number of different techniques and approaches to match each patient’s specific needs. For example, some men and women are primarily concerned about signs of aging on the lower face and neck, making them ideal candidates for lower facelift or neck lift surgery, while other patients wish to improve the area around their eyes with brow lift, blepharoplasty, and other procedures. During your initial consultation, Dr. Hakimi will thoroughly evaluate and discuss your concerns and goals to help determine the most appropriate surgical approach for you.

Most types of facelift surgery are performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and may take about 1 – 3 hours to complete. The incision placement will vary depending on the specific procedure being performed, though incisions are typically placed within the hairline, behind the ear, under the chin, and in other areas where they can be easily concealed or camouflaged to greatly minimize visible scarring. Following facelift surgery, patients should be driven home and cared for by a trusted friend or loved one for the first 24 – 48 hours. In more extensive cases, including those that involve a combination of facial procedures, patients may require overnight monitoring before being released to continue their recovery at home.

How long is facelift recovery?

After facelift surgery, patients usually take about 2 – 3 weeks off of work. For less extensive procedures, patients may be ready to return to light work after about 7 – 10 days. However, in either case, strenuous physical activity will likely be restricted for about 4 – 6 weeks.

Almost immediately following the procedure, some level of bruising, discomfort, and swelling should be expected. Patients should allow themselves plenty of time to rest and recover, though frequent, brief walks are encouraged to promote proper circulation and minimize the risk of complications, including blood clots or DVT. After 3 – 4 weeks, most patients begin feeling and looking much more like themselves and can begin to see their stunning new look taking shape. The final results of facelift surgery can take up to 6 –12 months to fully develop as subtle changes continue to occur, though these are typically only perceptible to the patient themselves.

How long does facelift swelling last?

Without a doubt, swelling is one of the most prominent postsurgical side effects with a facelift. With proper aftercare, the majority of facelift swelling should resolve after about 2 – 3 weeks, with the remainder of the swelling continuing to subside over the next several weeks and months. Rest assured that Dr. Hakimi will closely monitor your healing during a series of postoperative appointments to ensure your recovery is progressing appropriately and your swelling is resolving as expected. If you are concerned about prolonged and/or excessive swelling after facelift surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon for further evaluation and guidance.

How do you reduce swelling after facelift?

While it is important not to rush your facelift recovery, there are certainly ways to relieve your symptoms and enjoy a more comfortable postoperative period. Cold compresses and prescription or over-the-counter medications may be recommended to reduce facelift swelling. Additionally, sleeping on your back with your head elevated can help to minimize swelling. Dr. Hakimi and his knowledgeable team will provide you with a comprehensive set of facelift aftercare instructions to help make your facelift recovery as quick, comfortable, and successful as possible.

Restore the stunning, youthful, fresh look you deserve with facelift surgery in Beverly Hills, CA

Facial aging is a frustrating and unavoidable reality for all men and women. However, advanced cosmetic surgery now makes it possible for patients to enjoy a more attractive and more youthful appearance at virtually any age. To learn more about the exciting possibilities of facelift surgery, call our office to schedule your private in-person or virtual consultation with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi today. We look forward to restoring the beauty and confidence you deserve with Beverly Hills facelift surgery!