Many of our prospective patients are a little antsy about what to expect after getting a facelift. Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery walks you through every step of the way, assuring that you’re informed and comfortable throughout the process.

The primary questions we always hear are

•    “How will I look?”
•    “Will it hurt?”
•    “When can I return to my daily routine?”

You definitely can expect some swelling and bruising in the weeks immediately following your facelift. Don’t panic! That stranger you see in the mirror is temporary. Your beautiful, youthful new look will come sharply into focus as you heal.

As for the pain, most of our Jacksonville facelift patients take only a few pain pills over the first two days after their surgeries. Because you’ll need to sleep in an elevated position for the first week or so, you may experience mild neck and back aches. An over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol will help alleviate this discomfort. Otherwise, the primary complaint after a facelift is a feeling of tightness. This is normal as your tissues heal. Tightness typically peaks on the third day following a facelift, and subsides significantly by the fifth day.

You may continue to feel some stiffness in your neck for several weeks, but should be able to resume much of your physical activity such as running and lifting objects at the two-week mark. Take it slow, though, as your body not only is healing, but has been sedentary for several weeks and needs to ease back into its normal groove.

Most of our patients report feeling comfortable with going back out into public in about a week’s time after a facelift. Jacksonville offers year-round sunny weather that makes everyone want to get out and socialize, but your skin will be sensitive for four to six weeks following a facelift. So, avoid direct sunlight for a while, instead opting for indoor socializing opportunities. Be sure to slather on the high SPF sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat if you’ll be outside for more than a few minutes.

Of course, all the anxieties and frustrations go back to the original question – “How will I look?” The long term effect depends on multiple factors including your age, lifestyle and expectations. Going into your facelift in good health with a positive foundational self image and realistic expectations yields the most favorable results. If you’re 60, we can’t (and wouldn’t if we could) make you look 16. Our goal is to help you achieve a natural, youthful and radiant look that fits your lifestyle. No amount of plastic surgery can GIVE you confidence, but an expertly performed facelift done in tandem with your own health-conscious efforts will definitely BOOST your self confidence.

If you’re considering a facelift, Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery is ready to work hand-in-hand with you to achieve the look you want. Use our convenient online Click to Call feature to talk with a specialist, or fill out our email form to get a personal response from Dr. Phillip Garcia or Dr. Roberto Garcia today.