It is important to be well informed when you choose a facelift procedure. Facelifts are cosmetic surgeries that provide significant and dramatic results, restoring a more youthful and natural-looking appearance.
Knowing what to expect from the surgery and the recovery increases the potential for your recovery to go smoothly and to be satisfied with the results.
We encourage you to call our office and schedule a consultation to learn more about surgery and recovery from a facelift in Albuquerque, as well as the benefits of working with our double board-certified facial surgeon, Dr. Eric Tuggle.
Recovery from a facelift procedure in Albuquerque can vary depending on:
A facelift can be performed as a single surgery or a combination of procedures that address your lower face and neck and may include your eyelids and brows. No matter what you have done, you can expect to recover through several stages. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting eight hours of quality sleep, and following all post-operative instructions throughout your recovery is crucial.
Week 1 after a facelift is the immediate post-operative period. It is the most crucial time for healing and paying attention to your recovery. You can expect noticeable swelling and bruising where the incisions were made. Depending on your procedure, you may have facial bandages that help support the tissue and reduce the swelling. Dr. Tuggle prescribes medications to help address and control any discomfort you might experience from the procedure.
During this first week, you must rest and avoid strenuous activities. This includes lifting small children, pets, or household items. Keep your head elevated to minimize the swelling, including when you sleep. You might sleep on pillows or add blocks to the head of the bed before surgery so the bed is elevated.
You’ll notice some light bruising and redness around the incisions, which is normal. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for yourself and your incisions when you leave. It’s crucial you follow these closely to reduce the risk of infection. By the end of the first week, you will have a follow-up visit so we can assess how well you’re healing and potentially remove sutures.
By the second week, your bruising and swelling should be noticeably reduced. You will probably see some discoloration near the incision lines and where bruising has settled. You may feel comfortable returning to your daily activities but should avoid strenuous activities that put pressure on your healing tissue at this stage.
Your skin may still feel tight or slightly numb, which is normal. Depending on your healing and the procedure you had, most people return to light exercise by the third week but must continue to avoid high-impact activities. By the end of the third week, makeup should be able to conceal bruising, and you’ll feel more confident in social settings.
These last weeks of recovery mark a significant change. By the fourth week, the majority of your visible swelling and bruising has faded, and any lingering tightness or numbness will continue to improve. You may feel well enough to return to jogging or cycling but must wait until Dr. Tuggle releases you for activities.
You will also likely feel ready to return to work without feeling self-conscious. Although some residual swelling might be present, it’s typically gone by the end of the 6th week.
Planning is the key to making your recovery go smoother. When you know what to expect, it is far easier to plan for your recovery. Plan for your needs in the weeks leading up to your surgery, especially for the first post-operative week. Set up an area in your home where you can rest comfortably. There should be room to easily reach pillows, water, medication, and entertainment—such as your cell phone, TV remote, books, or puzzles.
As you’re planning for your recovery from a facelift surgery in Albuquerque, spend several weeks eating a highly nutritious diet and getting quality rest. This provides a foundation for healing for your body. If you have small children or pets, you should have help in the first week and may need help for the following weeks since you will not be able to do any lifting.
Preparing for your recovery from a facelift in Albuquerque requires several steps. When you call us to schedule your consultation, we can help you identify and plan for your recovery.
Call us today to learn more about how a facelift can address your cosmetic concerns and the steps you should take before surgery to plan for a smoother recovery.
