Surgical facial rejuvenation—whether facelifting, blepharoplasty, or fat grafting—is a big component of our practice, and it is a powerful tool to rejuvenate one’s appearance. Turning back the clock, appearing energetic and vibrant—these are the benefits of a facelift, and meticulous care in the post-surgical period is very important for a good outcome.
Our facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Inessa Fishman, recommends the following for your best face:
We pride ourselves on close and detailed post-treatment care, and we strongly believe that a combination of following instructions and seeing our expert team for your post-operative care greatly contributes to good outcomes. Review your pre- and post-surgery instructions with your family and caretakers several times prior to treatment, and call us if you have any questions about them!
Numbness within the skin in front of and behind the ear is common and resolves over several months after surgery. Itching is a common symptom that goes along with numbness resolution. Tightness within the chewing muscles along the jawline and within the neck are common as well; most patients also experience mild discomfort with swallowing for the better part of a week, Dr. Fishman says. Tightness normally resolves within the first week or two after surgery.
The post-surgical physical recovery requires lots of energy, and many patients may feel fatigued and a bit “foggy” for a day or two after their anesthetic. Your immediate post-surgery recovery is a time to limit strenuous physical exercise and avoid undertaking large house-cleaning and organization projects. There will be time for that after you’re healed!
The body needs both energy and high-quality nutrients to heal well. Give your body the excellent fuel it needs to function its best and help it recover from surgery, recommends Dr. Fishman.
Drinking at least 6-7 glasses of water daily helps your system function optimally, prevents constipation (which is commonly seen after anesthesia and the use of strong pain medications), and enables you to feel your best.
Surgical procedures, elective surgery, and anesthesia can result in post-procedure “blues” for some patients. It is common for us to see some “buyer’s remorse” in patients who have been building up their expectations prior to surgery and are now faced with swelling, bruising, and the need for patience in their recovery. To overcome this, Dr. Fishman recommends going outside for frequent walks, listening to your favorite music, reading entertaining books and magazines, and catching up with your favorite TV shows. Anything that takes your mind off your physical recovery can benefit your mental recovery as well!
Nicotine, whether in vaping, patch, gum, or smoking form, significantly impairs healing by compromising blood supply. Nicotine use can lead to loss of skin, delayed healing, and bad scars. Dr. Fishman recommends stopping ALL nicotine use at least 6 weeks before surgery and abstaining for at least 6 weeks after your procedure.
While recovery from facelift surgery is a significant undertaking, the results are definitely worth it! Let us help you go into your surgery with all your questions answered and your mind at ease, and allow us to be your greatest teammates and cheerleaders in your recovery. Here’s to putting your best face forward!
Get started by calling Aviva Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at 678-974-8435 or filling out our online form today.
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