According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, thousands of face lifts are performed each year on patients ranging in age from 30 to 80+ years. A face lift can not stop the aging process, but it can give you a more youthful and healthy appearance. If you are considering a face lift or rhytidectomy, it is important to learn about the procedure including your downtime and post operative recovery. You will have anesthesia for the procedure and will need time to recover from both the surgery and the anesthetic.
Significance
A full face life is major surgery. As in any type of surgery, you will have pain and swelling and discoloration of your skin. You may have post operative swelling for months and it could take up to six months for your incisions to fully heal. Expect your surgeon to provide special after care instructions on what you need to do to recover fully. Follow the instructions carefully to help assure the best outcome from your procedure.
After Care Considerations
Your body has its own special healing style and requirements. If your best friend had little swelling after her face lift, it does not mean that you will not experience swelling. And if you do, it does not mean that your surgeon did a poor job. Individual healing is based on your age, accompanying medical conditions, medications you take, the type of procedure performed and your skin. Ask your surgeon about the after care needs he expects you will require. He can be your best guide on what to expect based on your individual parameters.
Because you will have had anesthesia, do not drive, drink alcohol, travel alone, use public transportation, operate hazardous machinery or make important decisions or sign documents for the first 24 hours following your surgery.
Post Operative Care
After your face lift, you may have drains present to help remove the collection of fluid under your skin. You will have sutures or stitches and you may also have clips. Your doctor may ask that you spend the first few post operative days sitting up to minimize swelling as much as possible. You will be instructed to apply cold packs to your face to help reduce swelling. Moving will be restricted and you will be given a prescription strength pain relieving medication and perhaps an antibiotic. It is essential to keep every post operative appointment with your surgeon so that your healing can be adequately monitored.
You will not be able to care for yourself or drive so be sure to arrange to have someone available to help if you are going directly home. You will not be able to lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous exercise or sports for the first six weeks following your face lift. Because of the post operative restrictions and after care needs, some patients choose to spend their immediate post operative days in recovery centers staffed by nurses. If you are interested in this option, discuss it with your surgeon prior to having the procedure done.
Home Care
You will be required to wear compression dressings on your face and under your chin. The dressings will restrict your movement plus, you will be in pain. Before your surgery, buy straws and liquids to drink to stay hydrated, Using a straw to drink minimizes the pain you will feel when you move your mouth. Have soft foods on hand such as yogurt, soup, applesauce and baby food because chewing will be painful. Soft foods will be easier to eat and digest. You will also need ice packs in several sizes. You can use frozen peas for ice packs because they are a bit softer and more comfortable. Sleeping on your back will be the most comfortable because you will need to have your head raised and you will have sutures behind your ears. It will be painful if you try to lay on your side. Be prepared with extra soft pillows.
Complications
Because a face lift is major surgery, you may experience post operative complications. Swelling is expected, but if it appears to suddenly increase beyond what you experienced immediately after your surgery it can signal a problem. You will have pain that should be managed by your pain medication but if it is sudden or severe it needs attention. Post operative infection is also a possibility. If you have a fever of 100 degrees or more, that can mean an infection. Your sutures may drain a clear liquid which is normal; bleeding or a white, yellow or green discharge is not. If you experience any of these complications contact your surgeon immediately.
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