Recovery in the case of a facelift cosmetic surgery can vary from one patient to another due to several factors. Dr. Dean Jabs and Dr. Franklin Richards, operating out of offices in Bethesda, MD, and McLean, VA, are two experienced plastic surgeons performing facelifts and other procedures.
Patients in Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive state-of-the-art treatments at their practice. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss various aspects of the facelift procedure, including the expected recovery process.
Things to Know about Facelift Recovery
Recovery in the case of facelift cosmetic surgery is not a very grueling experience, but the process may take 10 to 14 days for a reasonable recovery. The sutures are usually removed at the end of the first week, and many of the patients can go back to work after the suture removal. However, the following notable issues should be considered for a fantastic and superlative recovery:
- Patients who do not want to get noticed about their facelift procedure may need to stay away from public exposure or office visits for about two weeks. Mild residual swelling can be visible even at the end of two weeks, but it may be covered with makeup or hairstyle.
- Bruising will occur in most cases and may last for about a week. It will gradually move down the neck due to gravitational pull. Pain-relieving medications may be used during the initial period as per the advice of the plastic surgeon.
- Noticeable swelling may last for about seven to 10 days. A subtle fullness can remain for a few more days. As the patient progresses into the third week, the facelift would have matured to a fairly natural look.
- Skin in front of the ear may initially be numb, and it will resolve on its own over the next few weeks.
- Minor firmness of the skin in the areas where the supporting sutures have been placed will be experienced, but may not be visible. It will improve as the collagen matures in the new wound bed.
An experienced surgeon will advise the patient about all aspects of the recovery well in advance. This ensures that the patient does not get surprised when they experience numbness, pain, or prolonged swelling. Dr. Jabs and Dr. Richards will explain the recovery process to their patients in Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and surrounding areas during the initial consultation.
Other Aspects
Many patients are keen to know when they can resume driving and other regular activities after the facelift procedure. The surgeon may allow the patient to drive and perform a few mild activities at home after four to five days. The patient should be off pain medications, particularly while driving. If mild stiffness in the neck is experienced, driving may be avoided for a few more days.
Bruising and swelling will begin to improve rapidly from the fifth day onwards, and makeup may be applied after a week. Some patients prefer to wear makeup, wear sunglasses, or a scarf to camouflage any visible signs of the surgery and to keep their appearance discreet and unnoticeable. This is quite common and understandable. They also may cut down or eliminate all social engagements until the results of this procedure have vanished.
If you would like to learn more about plastic surgery procedures performed by Plastic Surgeons Franklin D. Richards, M.D. and A. Dean Jabs, M.D. please visit https://cosmeticplastics.com/ or http://breastaugmentationmd.com/
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Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge lead Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. They specialize in personalized cosmetic procedures delivered with exceptional skill and care, helping every patient look and feel their best.
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