“What is the typical recovery process after facelift surgery?”

I will share with you my typical patient's recovery after facelift procedure. My patient removes dressings then next day and showers, including washing the hair. Then, Mupirocin ointment is applied to the suture line. The patient is advised to keep the head upright and sleep on a minimum of 2 pillows. If he/she must go out and about sunscreen and a broadbrimmed hat is advised. Many of my patients still work not needing any type of excessive pain management within 2 days. This work typically is telework of some sort where bruising is covered with makeup. I am a big believer in Arnica pills and gel. Some of the other "anti-bruising" remedies out there I have found either don't work or create gastric upset. Further, I am big on ice. I can always tell who or who does not employ ice. After two weeks, stitches come out and skin/scar/sun care is discussed. We also discuss further maintenance support such as laser or RF. Thank you so much for your inquiry.

Facelift recovery takes approximately 2 weeks. But most people can be seen after a few days when dressing is removed. It is not a painful procedure.

The recovery time for a facelift is approximately three weeks. During this time you will be unable to lift anything greater than ten pounds, cannot push/pull or strain, cannot exercise or get the heart rate about 90 beats per minute. You would return to the office the day after surgery to have your head wrap removed. The next visit would be approximately five days after surgery to remove the pre-auricular sutures. The third visit would be a week after that to remove the post-auricular sutures.