Reverse the signs of aging with a facelift at Zandifar MD, in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, California.
What Is a Facelift Surgery?
A Facelift is a surgical procedure that falls into the category of cosmetic surgery. Also known by the clinical term Rhytidectomy, the final results of a facelift procedure are intended to help reverse the appearance of the aging process. During traditional facelift surgeries, a flap of skin on each side of the face is pulled back, sagging muscles are tightened, underlying tissues are altered, and excess fat may be removed, while excess skin is removed. The final results of facelift surgeries create a new facial contour and help restore a youthful appearance.
The face-lift surgery itself usually takes between 4-6 hours. The facelift recovery period, on the other hand, will take a couple of months. By understanding the recovery timeline of these cosmetic facial procedures, and following the instructions of your doctor, you will help get the best results of your facelift.
Facelift Recovery Process
Find out what to expect during your healing process by following this general timeframe. Keep in mind that all facelift patients are different, so recovery times will vary.
First Days After
After the surgery, your face will be bandaged to prevent swelling and bruising. In most cases, your bandages will be removed in a few days following the surgery. You can expect some discomfort, but the pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications. It’s important to avoid physical activity and get as much rest as possible. If your incision was closed with stitches, you would also want to schedule an appointment for the removal of your sutures in the following couple of weeks. It’s also in your best interest not to schedule any social activities during this time. Remember that you are recovering from a surgical procedure, and you will need recovery time.
First Week After
At this point, you should be able to stop taking pain medication, which means you can resume some of your normal activities, such as driving and light exercise. You will still need to avoid any strenuous activities and it’s best to avoid sun exposure as well. Your face will not be fully healed yet, and you may notice some bruising and residual swelling. You can expect a few appointments with Dr. Zandifar during the recovery period, so he can assess how well you are healing.
Two Weeks After
Now, you can return to work if your job is not too strenuous. There may be some bruising on your face yet, but you can easily hide it behind makeup.
One Month After
All bruising and swelling should be gone at this point. The healing process is nearly complete. You can fully return to your normal everyday activities. Some people may still feel something different or strange about their face, but it is usually not noticeable to the casual observer. It may take another month to feel normal and to fully adjust to your new look.
The most important thing about recovering from cosmetic surgery is to have realistic expectations and allow yourself plenty of time to heal.
Facelift Procedures at Zandifar MD
Dr. Zandifar is a Double Board Certified & Fellowship Trained facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the head and neck. To learn more about how a facelift can help improve your appearance and confidence, contact either of our Los Angeles, CA offices today Dr. Zandifar and his expert team will walk you through the entire process during your initial consultation. He will discuss your options with you, and together you can decide if a facelift is right for you.
Schedule your facelift consultation today if you live in the Beverly Hills or Santa Monica area.
