What to Expect after Your Procedure: Face Lift Recovery

As a highly experienced plastic surgeon who combines exceptional surgical skills and a keen eye for aesthetics in performing facial rejuvenation surgery, Dr. Oren Z. Lerman is able to produce results of a consistently superior standard for his patients. Patients emerge from face lift surgery with their natural beauty enhanced; they look like themselves, except more youthful, more refreshed and vibrant. Dr. Lerman is the master of the subtle incision and the artful arrangement of tissues, so his patients never have to worry about looking operated-on. They simply look as if the hands of the clock have been turned back a few years.

Although face lift surgery is extremely safe and effective, especially when performed by a professional with the skill and experience of Dr. Lerman, it remains a major surgical procedure. It therefore requires a significant period of recovery. Dr. Lerman explains the face lift recovery process in detail during consultations at his Manhattan, NY plastic surgery practice so that patients know precisely what to expect before they commit to the procedure. The recovery process varies from patient to patient, of course; yours will depend on the type of face lift you undergo and your individual capacity for healing.

What will your face lift recovery be like? To find out, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Oren Z. Lerman today.

The Face Lift Timeline

As stated above, your face lift recovery timeline will be unique to you. However, a very general face lift recovery timeline would look something like this:

• The day of your surgery: Depending on the type of face lift you undergo, you may have to stay overnight in the hospital after your surgery. If you are allowed to return home on the day of surgery, you will have to arrange for someone drive you home. Unless Dr. Lerman advises you otherwise, you will be permitted to shower the day after your surgery as long as you are careful to avoid direct water pressure on your face. If you smoked prior to surgery, there is to be absolutely no smoking during your recovery period.
• Two or three days after your surgery: Be sure you are taking all medications exactly as prescribed. It is especially important that you take your antibiotics, as infection is a major risk in the first few days after surgery. You will also have to keep your head elevated at all times, even when you’re asleep, to reduce the risk of swelling. Do as much light walking as you can manage, but otherwise rest.
• The first two weeks after your surgery: You will be feeling some discomfort and possibly even some pain, but the prescription pain relievers will help to see you through. Side effects such as swelling, bruising, discoloration of the skin, and numbness are also common, but they should begin to subside by the end of the second week. You should be able to return to work by the middle to end of the second week, though you should also feel free to take an additional week off if you can afford to. Continue to walk as much as you can, but avoid strenuous activity until you receive clearance from Dr. Lerman.
• The first four months after your surgery: During this time, you should begin to see the full results of your face lift. Dr. Lerman will advise you when you can resume your exercise routine and other more strenuous activities.

Learn More about Recovering from Face lift Surgery

To learn more about face lift recovery, please contact our plastic surgery practice today.