The best time for a facelift is during your 40s to early 50s. Reducing signs of sagging, wrinkles, and loose skin does wonders for your confidence and restores the bright complexion of your youth. At West Michigan Plastic Surgery, Dr. Holley performs facelifts with results that can last up to 20 years.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to reduce signs of aging on the lower face and neck. Facelifts do not change the structure of your face but refresh your look.
Facelift
Before & After Photos
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Done under general anesthesia, the procedure typically takes 3-4 hours to complete depending on how extensive your facelift is. Some patients add other facial rejuvenation techniques such as a brow lift or facial fat grafting for more dramatic results.
How Long is Recovery from a Facelift?
The initial recovery takes approximately 1-3 weeks. This will vary depending on the extent of your facelift and how long your body typically takes to recover. While the recovery period varies, the typical timeline is:
Day 1
You will feel unsteady and need pain medication to ease discomfort. You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and soreness for up to a week. Support from family and friends is recommended as you cannot drive yourself home and take care of yourself on the first night.
Day 2-3
You will likely have a follow-up appointment to remove or change the surgical dressing. The doctor will use this time to evaluate your incisions’ healing and the swelling’s extent. You will return home to rest. The swelling typically reaches its height around this time, but you may begin moving as you feel comfortable.
Days 4-6
Most people stop needing prescription painkillers between days 4 and 6. The swelling will start to go down, and you’ll be able to start doing light activities.
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You will have some residual swelling, bruising, and tightness or tingling in your face. By the end of the second week, most people feel comfortable returning to work.
Days 13-28
By this point, the sutures will be removed, and most of the swelling will be gone. You will start seeing the final results during this time and be able to return to exercising and more strenuous activities. Incisions may still be pink, but will fade with more time.
After a Month
Minor swelling may continue up to one year, but it is not noticeable. The timeframe above is a general overview as some people heal faster than others. Talk with Dr. Holley at West Michigan Plastic Surgery for your post-op instructions for more detailed information. Following his instructions will lead to the easiest and fastest recovery with the best outcome.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to learn more about facelifts? Simply fill out the form on this page or call West Michigan Plastic Surgery at (269) 222-1611 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Scott Holley, a Board-Certified plastic surgeon. Proudly serving Kalamazoo and the greater Southwest Michigan area.
