Noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, such as Botox and laser skin resurfacing can help you delay the signs of aging. However, at some point, you may decide that these treatments aren’t enough to achieve your aesthetic goals. A facelift provides dramatic results by lifting the skin, sculpting the underlying tissues, and redefining the features to restore a more youthful appearance. After any surgical procedure, you should always follow your doctor’s post-op care instructions. However, the following can serve as general guidelines.
Managing the Swelling
It’s common for the treated area to display swelling after the operation. You can manage the swelling by resting and sleeping with your head elevated. Note that it can take a few weeks for the lingering swelling to diminish, so you will not see your final results right away.
Caring for the Incision Sites
When you return home after the procedure, you will have surgical dressings on the treated area. Your surgeon may direct you to remove the dressings on the first evening. If you’ve had a drain placed, you may be asked to record the volume of drained fluid. Facelift patients generally return to the office for a follow-up visit one to three days afterward. At this appointment, the surgeon will check the incision site to ensure it is healing properly.
Reducing Your Activity Level
You’ll want to get plenty of rest for the first few days after the surgery. However, doctors do recommend moving around a bit to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. During the first few days, get up and walk around the house about every hour or so during the day. You should be back to your usual activity level after about a month.
Dr. Maloney, a Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, offers multiple types of facelifts, allowing him to customize each procedure to the patient’s individual needs. If you are interested
in turning back the clock and achieving a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance, call Maloney Plastic Surgery in Tucson at (520) 298-2330 to request a consultation.
