What To Expect After Your Facelift
If you have made the decision to get a facelift, you are likely very excited about the changes it will bring to your life. You feel young, vibrant, and energetic, but when your reflection in the mirror doesn't echo how you feel, it can be disconcerting. But while you are eager to see the results of the procedure, chances are, you are also probably nervous and uncertain what to expect. Here is what you need to know to put your mind at ease:
What Are Common Side Effects?
Like any surgical procedure, there will be a healing period. When you first come to after the surgery, you probably won't be in any pain as the anesthesia will be providing pain relief still. You may feel a bit nauseous from the anesthesia. However, this normally passes after a few hours.
Perhaps the most obvious side effect will be the facial swelling. This is a completely natural response by the body. The swelling will begin subsiding after a few days, but it will take weeks before it has completely dissipated. Bruising will also be present, and you may have two black eyes as that is where blood tends to pool as well as the skin is thin around the eyes. For this reason, it's important to remember that what you see during the healing process will not be representative of the finished results.
Many people worry about scarring, but because of the way the procedure is done, scarring is usually quite minimal. Any scars there are will be hidden behind the ears and in the hairline.
Your surgeon will probably prescribe pain medication for the first several days, but after the first week, the pain should be minimal. You may occasionally feel odd sensations, such as tingling or burning. This is again a completely natural part of the healing process and is due to the regeneration of your nerves.
While rest is important- you don't want to overdo it- laying around in bed all day is not advised. Getting up and moving around is good for your circulation, and proper blood flow is necessary for the healing process as well as making sure a blood clot doesn't develop as a result of inactivity.
What Should You Do After Surgery?
Follow your doctor's instructions for wound care. Take any prescribed medications as directed. Avoid direct sun and use sunscreen once you have healed. Avoid both alcohol and smoking as these will delay healing and could lead to infection. Follow these guidelines, and it won't be long before you catch a new glimpse of yourself in the mirror, a reflection that will more accurately depict how you feel.