How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Facelift?
As we age, our bodies naturally reduce the production of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. This causes wrinkles and sagging skin associated with age. After a while, skincare routines and healthy habits are unable to prevent signs of aging. At Faces Fort Worth, facelifts help our patients restore and preserve their natural features for many years.
How Does a Facelift Work?
Facelifts are a facial surgical procedure to restore your skin, muscles, and fat deposits in the face and neck. Every facelift is customized to your skin type, concerns, and goals. Dr. Sonneveld makes incisions along the hairline and around the ears for inconspicuous healing.
In 2-5 hours, Dr. Sonneveld removes excess skin, tightens the muscles, and extracts fatty deposits from the chin and neck. After completing the surgery, he closes the incisions with tiny stitches.
How Long is Recovery from a Facelift?
Recovery depends on your commitment to following your healing regimen. Patients wear a support garment for a few days afterward. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work ten days after their facelift procedure.
Day 1
You may feel sleepy and unsteady after surgery as your body recovers from the anesthesia and begins healing. We recommend receiving help from family and friends for the night and taking prescribed pain medication as needed.
Days 2-3
Please continue resting, but you may begin light movements. On day 2, you will have a follow-up appointment to remove or change your surgical dressing. You may shower during this time.
Days 4-6
Most manage with over-the-counter pain medicine as the swelling subsides. If you feel well enough, you may begin doing light activities.
Week 2
Most can return to work sometime during the second week of recovery. If you have a physically strenuous job, you may need to wait longer. You will likely still experience some swelling and bruising.
Weeks 3-4
You should begin feeling better with improvements in your facial contour. Most patients feel comfortable returning to their usual exercise routine.
After Day 30
You may return to all normal activities. Minor swelling may last up to a year, but everyone recovers differently. Please follow all aftercare instructions given by Dr. Sonneveld, as your recovery is unique to your body’s natural healing process.
Request a Consultation
Give us a call today at 817-927-1818 or fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. You’ll be happy you chose Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Fort Worth for your oral surgery and facial cosmetic surgery needs.
Should I Get a Facelift?
If you are experiencing wrinkling, sagging skin, and sagging cheeks, you may be a good candidate for a facelift. Facelifts cannot stop the clock. Your body will continue naturally aging, meaning touch-ups every few years may be necessary to maintain your results; however, you can expect to enjoy your results for up to 10 years.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about facelifts, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.
