Many of our patients who have elected to have a traditional facelift, or rhytidectomy, have questions about the aftercare and recovery from the procedure. A traditional facelift procedure includes incisions that begin at the hairline at the temple and continue along the ear creases and into the hairline behind the ear. Traditional facelifts are used primarily to restore a youthful appearance to the upper middle and lower portions of the face, tightening loose musculature and repositioning fat to recreate a younger aesthetic. Each type of facelift—traditional, mini, or mid—has its own recovery period and set of results. In order to help our patients better understand the recovery and results of a traditional facelift, we compiled these facts:
Will I have a hospital stay?
Facelifts can be done either in surgery centers or at the hospital. If you select to have the surgery done in the hospital, you have the option to stay overnight for one night if you do not have help at home. If you have the procedure done at our surgery center, you will be able to go home after a few hours. Remember to have a designated driver drop you off and pick you up after surgery! It’s a good idea to have someone assist you the first night after the surgery.
What type of aftercare will I require after surgery?
Dr. Kole at the Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center will ensure that you are safely bandaged before being sent home after surgery. Bandages will be placed around your head to help reduce swelling and bruising. Additionally, a drainage tube may be placed behind your ear. Bandages and any drainage tubing will be removed at your post-operative visit. When the bandages are removed, your face will be somewhat swollen and bruised, but both will be reduced within a few weeks. Any stitches and staples placed during surgery will be removed around one week after surgery, according to your doctor’s orders.
How will I feel after surgery?
There is minimal to moderate discomfort following a traditional facelift procedure. Because many of the sensitive nerves in the affected area of the face are temporarily anesthetized during surgery, patients do not experience a great amount of pain. However, if you do experience discomfort, pain medication will be prescribed. It is normal for parts of your face to feel numb or less sensitive for several months after surgery. However, if you experience severe pain or sudden swelling following surgery please contact Dr. Kole at the Kole Plastic Surgery Center to speak with the doctor about your symptoms.
While it is not possible to stop the aging process, a traditional facelift will help restore youthfulness back into the upper, middle and lower face and will greatly improve patients’ self-esteem and confidence in their appearance. Within a few weeks after surgery, your face will look firmer, smoother, and younger than before. Please call us for a consultation today!
