What Is The Recovery Timeline After A Facelift?
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For anyone considering cosmetic surgery, imagining your new and improved look can be exhilarating. Oftentimes, however, the results of a cosmetic procedure take time to fully develop following healing and recovery. With facelift in particular, patience is key for a successful recovery and a stunning outcome. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi is dedicated to providing an unmatched level of care throughout the entire facelift process, from consultation through recovery, to ensure that Newport Beach, CA facelift patients heal appropriately and have a look they can show off proudly. Use this guide to better understand what to expect during your facelift recovery, including how long healing may take and when you’ll be able to resume your normal activities.
How does a facelift work?
The details of your facelift procedure will depend on which method is used. Generally speaking, facelift surgery requires an incision near the hairline, around the ears, and in the natural lines and contours of the face. The surgeon will then tighten and reposition the underlying layers of muscle and tissue, re-drape the skin over the new structure, and trim away excess skin, if needed. In some cases, liposuction, injectable fillers and fat, and other treatments may be combined with facelift surgery to further enhance the results.
What kind of facelift do I need?
Dr. Hakimi is proud to offer a wide range of facelift approaches in Newport Beach to address the specific needs of each patient, including:
- Full facelift: Also known as a traditional facelift, the full facelift is a fantastic option for men and women with significant signs of aging, including loose skin, sagging jowls, and drooping features across the full face.
- Lower facelift: Lower facelift is designed to address the jowls, jawline, and neck. The incision would go from behind the ear and hairline into the front of the ear over the cartilage.
- Mini facelift: For patients with earlier signs of aging, including lines or sagging around the mouth and jawline, the mini facelift provides subtle – yet stunning – improvements.
How long is facelift recovery?
Facelift recovery time can vary from patient to patient depending on the precise procedure that was performed. For example, men and women who undergo mini facelift typically have a much quicker recovery than those who receive full facelift surgery. To help you better understand the general postoperative process, use this helpful guide on full facelift recovery timeline:
Full facelift recovery timeline
Contrary to public perception, a facelift surgery does not have a big and painful recovery. Most patients do not need any pain medications even after a full facelift. You will be sore and tired after the surgery. You will feel tight when you move your neck as expected for 1 or 2 weeks. IF you bruise, it goes away with in the next 2 weeks.
Majority of the swelling goes away after 2 weeks. Dr. Hakimi will remove the sutures in front of your ears out 1 week after the surgery and the ones behind your ear the following week. Then then your swelling is mild enough that would could go out without people noticing you had surgery. But sure you will look years younger.
Even though most of the selling goes away with the first month, but in order to look completely natural in photos, it might take up to 3 months for the swelling to completely go away. But untrained human eyes wont notice it.
- How long does it take for facelift scars to fade?
Fortunately, most facelift incisions are placed in areas where they can be easily concealed or camouflaged. In fact, most patients can barely identify their own facelift scars once they have healed! Dr. Hakimi will provide you with thorough incision and scar care instructions to ensure your scars fade as completely as possible. In most cases, facelift scars fade to a pale or whitish color that blends into the skin well within about 12 months.
Turn back the clock and restore a youthful, vibrant look with Newport Beach facelift
While facelift is certainly a life-changing and extensive procedure, you may be surprised at just how quickly you can recover and begin to enjoy your striking new look. If you’re ready to learn more about how facelift surgery can reverse the signs of aging and restore a youthful, natural, beautiful appearance, we invite you to call our friendly team in Newport Beach, CA today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi!