Face Lift Surgery - the Recovery Process
Dr. S. Kincaid - San Diego, Inland Empire Plastic Surgeon

Face Lift Information provided by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Kincaid, an Inland Empire face lift surgeon, understands that undergoing this procedure can be an anxious time for many patients. He has created this page to help patients learn about the recovery period following facelift surgery. Please read the paragraphs below to learn more about this facial rejuvenation procedure.

How will I look and feel initially?

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

After surgery, you will be asked to restrict your activities and simply relax for a few days. Elevating your head when you sleep will help to minimize swelling and bruising. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications, and you should not smoke or be exposed to heavy secondary smoke for a while.

Any bandages and drain tubes will usually be removed in one or two days. At that time, you will notice puffiness and discoloration which may be more pronounced in some portions of your face than others. Do not be alarmed by any unevenness or temporary asymmetry caused by this variance in swelling and bruising, which is perfectly normal. Generally, the greatest amount of swelling occurs 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but it may take several weeks before all puffiness is resolved. Most bruising will disappear within two weeks. After a few days, you will be permitted to wear makeup which will help conceal any discoloration. You will also experience some numbness in the facial area, which may be present for several weeks or longer. Your stitches will be removed from four to seven days after surgery.

When can I resume my normal activities?

Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period. In many instances, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within two weeks and begin to exercise three to four weeks after surgery. You will be instructed to temporarily avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long-term, to be conscientious about the use of a sunblock to protect your skin.

Results of Your Facelift

The results of your facelift may be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you look before surgery as well as the specific goals that you and your plastic surgeon have established. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several weeks for an accurate picture of your "new look." Additional minor changes, or settling, may occur over several months.

Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

You will return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.

Please remember that the relationship with Dr. Kincaid, an Inland Empire cosmetic surgeon, does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during the recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact his offices.

As a highly regarded facelift surgeon, Dr. Kincaid has dedicated his career to helping patients with their aesthetic needs. In addition to facelift surgery he is also committed to helping Inland Empire breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty and tummy tuck patients and those from the surrounding areas with their aesthetic needs.

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For a Facelift in Inland Empire contact board certiifed plastic surgeon Stuart Kincaid.

Content provided by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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