During this week, you'll likely still have some swelling and bruising around the affected areas. To optimize the healing process after facelift surgery, your head will be carefully covered with bandages for the first two weeks. Week 2 is an important week. Changes occur daily as the swelling goes down and the bruises go away. The numb skin in front of and behind the ears may become discolored as new blood vessels nourish the skin.
The removal of the stitches can occur between the end of the first week and the third week, and depends on the particular procedure being performed, as well as the healing process. The post-operative care instructions you've been given will still be valid one week after your cosmetic surgery, so remember to follow those routines carefully. In weeks 3 and 4, you may still have some residual swelling and stiffness, but in general, you'll start to see and to feel much better. Most patients can expect to resume work and other normal activities two weeks after surgery, as long as they have a sedentary job.
Seeing your face right now won't be pleasant, but remember that in a few weeks you'll see significant improvements. Patients should continue to avoid strenuous exercise, contact sports and any activity that could result in facial trauma for up to six weeks. By the end of the second week after surgery, many people feel like themselves and are ready to return to work and begin light activities. like walking.
Bruising and swelling usually peak around the third and fourth day, but both are likely to remain present for several more weeks. After a week of recovering from a facelift, you'll likely find that you can stop taking pain medications. One week after the facelift, you'll continue to sleep with your head quite elevated to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Sleeping on two pillows is recommended for the first two weeks after surgery to help alleviate bloating.
While the swelling and bruising will start to go away, you can expect it to take another week or two until the bruising and swelling completely dissipates. While most patients will be able to smile and make normal facial expressions 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, some may take longer 3 to 5 weeks.
