Facelift Recovery

A smooth recovery process and long-term satisfaction with your results begin with choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon and end with your ongoing commitment to maintaining your refreshed look. The facelift recovery process follows different stages, but our facelift patients from Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, trust Dr. Todd Hobgood to guide them through it.

The Facelift Recovery Timeline

Whether this is your first facelift or a revision procedure, understanding the general recovery timeline helps set realistic expectations for a smooth healing process. Here’s a general overview of facelift recovery week by week.

Week 1: Initial Healing

  • Swelling and Bruising: Your face may initially appear puffy and discolored. Swelling and bruising are a natural response to surgery and begin to subside after the first few days.
  • Manageable Discomfort: You should expect some tightness and discomfort after surgery; however, you can manage these symptoms effectively with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication and proper care.
  • Activity Level: It’s important to rest and refrain from strenuous activities during this time. Keep your head elevated and avoid bending down to alleviate strain on your stitches. Dr. Hobgood also recommends light walking to promote circulation.

Weeks 2 and 3: Progress and Improvement

  • Reduction in Swelling: By the end of the second week, swelling and bruising start to diminish significantly, and you may feel more comfortable resuming light activities.
  • Returning to Routine: Many patients can return to non-strenuous work and social activities, although it’s important to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical exertion.

Weeks 4 to 6: Noticeable Changes

  • Visible Results: Most of the swelling has subsided. The results of your facelift are more apparent, helping you to look more vibrant and rejuvenated.
  • Increased Activity: You can gradually resume more vigorous activities, but it’s still essential to follow Dr. Hobgood’s guidelines to ensure proper healing.

Months 3 to 6: Final Results

  • Complete Healing: The final results of your facelift become more evident as the healing process completes. Scarring continues to fade, and your facial contours settle.
  • Ongoing Improvement: Subtle improvements may continue to occur over several months, enhancing your overall appearance.

Tips for Facelift Recovery

Effective postoperative care is key to your successful recovery and long-term aesthetic outcomes. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate recovery after facelift surgery:

  1. Follow Dr. Hobgood’s Instructions: Adhering to your postoperative care instructions is crucial for optimal healing. This includes taking prescribed medications, caring for your incisions, and attending follow-up appointments.
  2. Keep Your Head Elevated: Elevating your head while resting helps reduce swelling. Use extra pillows to prop up your shoulders and back while sleeping and resting or consider sleeping in a recliner.
  3. Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy lifting, intense exercise, and any activities that could strain your incisions. Gradually reintroduce physical activities based on Dr. Hobgood’s recommendations.
  4. Use Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the surgical areas can alleviate swelling and discomfort during the initial recovery phase. Make sure you follow the recommended frequency and duration for cold compress application.

Our related blog post covers other tips to ease your facelift recovery.

Long-Term Maintenance and Results

Maintaining your facelift results involves regular follow-ups and potential touch-up procedures. While the aging process continues, surgical and nonsurgical options can keep you looking your best. Dr. Hobgood may recommend treatments such as:

Rejuvenate Your Appearance With a Facelift Specialist

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Hobgood is a trusted name for facelift surgery in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area. He has performed over 1,000 facelifts and uses his refined techniques and stringent postsurgical protocols to deliver the best results to his patients.

To learn more about your facelift options, please request a consultation or call us at (480) 214-9955 to schedule your appointment.

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