Two of the most common questions for plastic surgeons are, does a facelift hurt? and what’s the recovery time from a facelift?
It’s understandable that patients have concerns when they consider whether to have a rhytidectomy (the medical term for a facelift). You want to enjoy younger-looking and firmer facial skin, with all the new confidence that brings. However, the recovery process can cause hesitation, especially if you’re worried about discomfort or time off work.
Minimising facelift recovery issues
You will receive insightful information on what is involved before you sign a consent form for your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. Then, on the day of your facelift surgery, skilled plastic surgeon Mr Shaheel Chummun and his professional team do everything possible to avoid or minimise surgical side effects.
They also use the latest technology and techniques for facelifts, to create the desired outcome with minimal bruising and swelling. Incisions are made with great skill too, to avoid scarring. However, this procedure does involve gently altering soft tissues around your face, including reducing any sagging or folded skin. Naturally, this creates a degree of ‘tenderness’ around your face post-surgery. In addition, small medical drains are sometimes used to resettle facial tissue after surgery. These will be removed by your surgeon within 48 hours.
The detailed aftercare advice you receive after plastic surgery includes what to do if you feel any discomfort, including the readily available pain medications that help after a facelift. You will also be invited to contact the clinic with any post-surgery questions.
The most important thing to assist in recovery from any type of plastic surgery is time. Especially following procedures requiring general aesthetics.
How will the anaesthetic affect me?
General anaesthetics stay in your system for a while, affecting concentration, memory and reflexes. This is why it’s important not to drive or make important decisions for at least 48 hours afterwards. Alcohol is also not recommended immediately after surgery.
Some people feel nausea after a general anaesthetic; another after-care detail the team at our Bristol-based plastic surgery clinic can help you with.
How long off work for a facelift?
A rhytidectomy process – and the results it achieves – is personal to each patient, and so is the recovery experience. The universal recommendation, however, is to have at least one week of complete rest. No work, strenuous activity or stress until your stitches are removed.
This may sound inconvenient, but it’s a small price to pay for achieving your aesthetic goals, with a skilled facelift procedure. If you have more questions about the results that can be achieved with a facelift, and the healing process, don’t hesitate to call us to arrange an initial consultation.
For more information, please read our article on how to prepare for a facelift.