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Just Had Your Facelift Surgery?

This page contains all of your post-surgery instructions. Conveniently located in Jacksonville, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Phillip Garcia, offers facelift surgery for men and women residing in Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Lakeside and nearby areas in North Florida.

Thinking about a facelift?
Click here to see if a facelift is right for you.

Scheduled a facelift consultation?
Click here for pre-consult guidance.

Scheduled a facelift surgery?
Click here for pre-surgery instructions.

Recovery is perhaps the most important step of the facelift process. After having your facelift surgery, you need to take great care in the following weeks and months to be gentle on your body and let it heal as needed. Most of this involves resting and following the post-operative guidelines provided by Dr. Garcia. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the facelift recovery process.

“I saw the before and afters… and the first words out of my mouth were ‘why did I wait so long?!’”
– Helen

 

Essential Surgical Documents for You to Review

Please download these essential pre surgical documents and lists of supplies

FACELIFT POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

click to download

POST OPERATIVE CLEANING

click to download

FACELIFT POST OPERATIVE CHECKLIST

click to download

 

Real Patient Journeys



WHAT IS RECOVERY FROM A FACELIFT LIKE?

Patients can expect to take 1-2 weeks off of work and other activities immediately following their facelift surgery. During this time, you should plan to rest as much as possible. Immediately after surgery, we’ll apply bandages to the face as well as a drain that removes excess blood and fluids to help reduce swelling. You may experience stiffness, tightness, discoloration and/or numbness in addition to bruising and swelling.

You will have to observe some restrictions following facelift. Typically, you will be required to refrain from strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks. This includes exercise and any type of heavy lifting. Although you will be able to visibly appreciate the results of the procedure after a couple of weeks, it can take several weeks or even a few months (after all bruising and swelling heals) before the final results become fully visible.

HOW SOON AFTER MY FACELIFT WILL MY BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO BE TAKEN?

We will take your facelift before and after pictures three months after the facelift surgery. The facelift photo is an important part of the three month follow-up visit to Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. At that time, the facelift before and after photographs will be analyzed by Dr. Garcia and the patient.

A Post-Surgery Message from Dr. Garcia

Dr. Garcia reminds patients that the recovery process is the most important phase in the facelift journey. At this point, the final facelift results are entirely dependent on the patient. We’re here to help you through the recovery process in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way.

Educational Videos


Frequently Asked Facelift Post-Surgical Questions

 

  • How long does it take to recover from a facelift?

    The facelift recovery process is complex, as it requires an initial period of downtime, followed by some restrictions and mild symptoms, after which point patients can finally resume their normal lifestyles. Even at this point, however, it can take several weeks or months for residual swelling to completely fade and reveal the full results of treatment. However, here is a general idea of what a patient can expect on a daily basis during the first few weeks of recovery:

    • Week 1:
      • In the first few days of recovery, patients will need to rest as much as possible with very limited activity. You will be given pain medication and antibiotics to help manage any pain and prevent infection. You will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around your face and neck. You will be advised to rest and keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling.
    • Week 2:
      • Swelling and bruising will begin to subside, but you will still experience some discomfort. You may have some numbness in the areas where the incisions were made. Your surgeon may suggest that you take short walks around your home to help promote circulation and speed up the healing process. You will need to continue avoiding strenuous activity and excessive bending or lifting.
    • Weeks 3-6:
      • Most of the swelling and bruising should be gone by this point. You will begin to see the results of your facelift, but they will not be fully apparent until the final healing is complete. You will be able to resume more normal activities, but you will still need to avoid strenuous activity and excessive bending or lifting.
    • Months 3-6
      • At this stage, most visible side effects should have healed and patients should be back to their normal routines without any restrictions. You will also have a 3-month follow-up visit with Dr. Garcia to assess your results and take before and after photos.
  • Is there pain after a facelift?

    While the facelift procedure is not painful at all, patients should expect some pain during the facelift recovery. It is during this period where the body is healing and feels the trauma of the surgical process. Fortunately, this pain should only last a few days, and can be managed with pain medications and other post-operative techniques.

  • When can I sleep on my side after a facelift?

    After a facelift, you will need to sleep with your head elevated and avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for the first few weeks of recovery. This is to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Most patients can resume sleeping on their side or stomach approximately 6 weeks after surgery, although this time frame can vary depending on how each individual progresses through the recovery process.

  • How long does a facelift last?

    The results of a facelift typically last for several years. However, the longevity of the results can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, skin type, and overall health. As the aging process continues, the effects of the facelift will gradually diminish and the skin will continue to age. Some patients may opt for follow-up procedures to maintain their desired results.