FACELIFT

As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process. A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.

You will be swollen, bruised and sore for several weeks following surgery. It may take several months for the swelling to dissipate and six months for your incision line to completely heal. Facial movement may be temporarily restricted after your facelift and you may experience some numbness; these are common conditions and should resolve over several weeks. You will need to keep your head elevated at all times until the initial swelling has subsided. Any sutures that do not dissolve are removed one week after surgery.

Healing will continue for at least several more weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve. Please follow all the instructions given to you very carefully as this is essential to a successful outcome. Scars created to perform the facelift procedure are permanent but will fade with time. Cosmetics can be used to camouflage any bruising that remains from the facelift.

You will always need to wear sunscreen to help you to maintain your rejuvenated skin and appearance by preventing future sun damage. You may return to light activity within a few days of surgery. You may return to work 2 weeks after your facelift or neck lift, feeling reinvigorated with a more youthful appearance. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the facelift or neck lift procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Huang. You will learn the reasonable expectations for the goals you wish to achieve to create a more youthful, rested appearance helping you feel more confident about yourself.

• For the next few weeks, expect to have some pain, bruising and swelling.
• Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to your face as directed.
• Care for your incisions as instructed. This includes keeping your bandages and incisions dry when bathing or showering.
• Wear your compression garment 24/7 for the first 2 weeks. At week 2 you may take it off to go out but then put it back on immediately after
• For 10 days after surgery, always keep your head higher than your heart.
• For example, don’t stoop down to tie your shoes
• Sleep upright for first 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities as directed. No lifting over 10 pounds
• Avoid driving until your doctor says it’s okay. Do not drive while taking medications that make you drowsy or sleepy. Drink plenty of water, the pain medication can cause constipation
• Avoid alcohol for at least 10 days post-surgery, this will increase swelling and cannot be mixed with pain medication

You will have follow-up visits with Dr. Huang regularly. He will monitor how you are healing. These also allow us to monitor the results of your procedure. Your stitches will need to be removed, this is done 7 days after surgery and again at 14 days. You may wash your hair in 1 week after the first set of sutures come out.