What does recovery from facelift surgery involve?

The main thing here is to get plenty of rest. Your body has undergone a fair amount of trauma and stress as a result of surgery so the best thing to do now is rest.

The stitches will be removed after five days. Once this is done you will then be able to have a shower and wash your hair.

Take things easy when you get home. Don’t overdo it or engage in any physical activities. You will be up and about after a couple of days but do not attempt anything strenuous. If you play sport or do other forms of exercise then do not resume these until a couple of weeks. It is a good idea to do some gentle stretching exercises or walking before returning to your normal routine.

Give yourself six weeks before returning to the gym or other physical activities.

It will be three weeks before you are able to return to work although you may be able to go back after a couple of weeks if you are well enough. If you do then you will still have some facial bruising but otherwise will be fine. You can buy some special make up which helps to camouflage this bruising.

During these three weeks do not expose your face to the sun, or use a sauna or steam room. Avoid alcohol during this time.

Have any necessary medications or painkillers to hand. Make sure that any essential items are within reach. Watch television, read or listen to music during this time. Keep pillows and blankets to hand as you may feel colder than usual. Plus it is a good idea to keep your head elevated for the first few days.

You may feel a bit low and self-conscious at this time. This is completely normal and is a reaction to the surgery. You have been on a ‘high’ before the surgery and now, you have come down from that high. Give yourself some time to get used to your new look. Talk to your partner or family and friends.

Note: if you notice any of the following symptoms when you get home then contact your surgeon immediately. These are:

• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Rapid or unusual heartbeat
• Sudden, sharp pain
• Bleeding
• Infection

Facelift Surgery Guide Index:

• What is a ‘rhytidectomy’?
• Who should consider a facelift ?
• Who is not suitable for facelift surgery ?
• Why shouldn’t I have facelift surgery?
• How much does a facelift surgery cost?
• Can I get help towards paying for my facelift?
• Can I have a facelift on the NHS?
• Can I have facelift surgery abroad?
• I am interested in a facelift what do I do next?
• How do I find a reputable facelift surgeon?
• What questions should I ask my surgeon?

• I have decided to go ahead so what happens next?
• How do I prepare for my facelift surgery?
• What will happen on the day of my facelift surgery?
• What is the facelift surgery procedure?
• What will happen after my facelift surgery?
• What does recovery from facelift surgery involve?
• What are the benefits of facelift surgery?
• What are the risks of facelift surgery?
• Is there an ‘aftercare’ service for facelift surgery?
• How long does a facelift surgery last?