How long does it take to look normal after a facelift?

Facial plastic surgery is one of the most advanced and fascinating surgeries in the medical field. But you want to know how soon you’ll start to feel better and how soon you’ll go back to looking normal. And not just looking like normal but looking like the new you. Recovery times vary, but here are some things to be aware of.

In the weeks after cosmetic surgery, you will have bruising and swelling, though this will only last a relatively short time. You should go back to looking like normal after 2-4 weeks. To get the full impression of what the “new you” will look like after your facelift, you may need to wait 2-3 months to get the full effect.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Facelift?

Recovery from a facelift, like any surgical procedure, varies from person to person. However, here is a general timeline to help you understand how long facelift recovery typically takes:

1. First Week:

• Expect minor swelling and bruising around the face and neck.
• You may experience tightness and discomfort, but pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication.

It is crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities and keeping your head elevated.

2. Weeks 2-3:

• Bruising and swelling should start to subside.
• You can resume light activities but should continue avoiding strenuous exercise.
• This period is essential for minimizing scarring; keep incisions clean and avoid picking at any scabs.

3. Weeks 4-6:

• Most swelling and bruising will have significantly decreased.
• You can return to moderate activities and social engagements.
• Avoiding sun exposure is critical during this phase to protect your healing skin and reduce the risk of visible scars.

4. Months 2-3:

• Swelling should be almost gone, revealing the more defined results of your facelift.
• Any residual tightness should diminish, and you’ll start feeling more comfortable with your new look.

5. Long-Term Care:

• Full recovery and the final appearance can take up to a year.
• Consistently follow your surgeon’s advice on skincare to maintain results and minimize scarring.

By following these steps and your surgeon’s guidelines, you can ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy the benefits of your facelift for years to come.

How long does tightness last after a facelift?

After a facelift, you will feel tightness in your facial skin, and this is simply because your face is tighter. The skin has been pulled tighter, and you will have that sensation in your face for some time afterward. However, this tightness sensation should last no more than 2-3 months, and you’ll be used to the facelift.

Please note that during this period of tightness, you are not in any danger. The tightness is a totally normal part of the procedure.

How long do facelift scars take to heal?

The scars at the incision sites for your facelift will be visible for about six months, but the good thing is that they are almost all in places that will be difficult to see, and easily covered up with makeup. After a facelift, healing scars will be mostly masked by the location of the incisions, but even then, what little scars there are should fade quickly.

In the discussions between the surgeon and patient, Dr. Jacono will explain exactly where the incisions will be, what will be hidden, and what will be visible. But if you’re worried about returning to work and having exposed scars, you can be assured that they will be minimal, if visible at all. The scars will start as a pink color and fade to white that’s almost impossible to see.

Healing Times for Different Types of Facelifts

Healing times can vary depending on the types of facelifts performed. Here’s a brief overview:

• Traditional Facelift:
  • Healing Time: 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; full results visible in 2-3 months.
  • Details: Addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls.
• Mini Facelift:
  • Healing Time: 1-2 weeks for initial recovery; full results in about 1 month.
  • Details: Less invasive, focuses on minor sagging and early signs of aging.
• Mid-Facelift:
  • Healing Time: 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; full results in 2-3 months.
  • Details: Targets the middle part of the face, such as the cheeks and under-eye area.
• Lower Facelift:
  • Healing Time: 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; full results in 2-3 months.
  • Details: Focuses on the lower third of the face, including the jawline and neck.
• Thread Lift:
  • Healing Time: 1 week for initial recovery; full results in a few weeks.
  • Details: Minimally invasive, uses temporary sutures to lift the skin.

Each type of facelift offers different benefits and healing times, so it’s essential to discuss with your surgeon which procedure best suits your needs and lifestyle.

What is the fastest way to recover from a facelift?

During the recovery period for a facelift procedure, your plastic surgeon, Dr. Jacono, will give you instructions on how to take care of yourself. While every surgery is different and may have minor variations in the instructions, most facelift surgery instructions will tell you to make sure you’re calm and feel comfortable. Avoid activities like exercise, jogging, or lifting anything heavy for the first several days after cosmetic surgery.

It is important to be patient through the first one to two weeks and simply take proper care of yourself. The healing process has begun, and you will have bruising on your face and neck, but it’s only temporary. You will be asked to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling, and you’ll slowly be weaning yourself off pain medication. (Most facelifts only require over-the-counter pain medication.)

By one month, you should be able to return to moderate activity, but you need to pay attention to your body and what it’s feeling. The recovery process takes time, but it’s worth it. You’ll soon look years younger!

Only 30 days to take off years? Contact us now to schedule your consultation.