Are you considering a facelift but worried about the downtime and recovery? You are not alone. More and more people are opting for facelifts each year to appear more youthful and rejuvenated. The downside of this surgery? The cost can be extensive, and downtime can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. This will differ from patient to patient, but overall there is a lot to understand and have planned before going in for your facelift surgery. In this blog, we are going to share the most up-to-date advice as to how you can recover from your facelift, in addition to some of the items you may need to get into prior. Take a look at the following suggestions:
Have transport prepared
Before you even step foot into your home, you need to have transport prepared to get you home following surgery. You will not be permitted to drive for up to two weeks following surgery. Some procedures do not require an overnight stay, but regardless, you need to have a trusted family member or friend at the ready to get you home safely. Depending on the facility of our choice, they might be able to arrange for transport to get you home safely, but as a rule of thumb be sure to have a backup person just in case.
Book two weeks off work
Recovery means complete rest, relaxation, and discharge from work. It can be tempting to catch up with tasks and make plans during your time of recovery, but this period should be reserved for recovery only. That means clearing your schedule entirely for at least two weeks, with the notice that this period might need to be extended to recover success. Your trusted surgeon should be able to offer exact timelines, but be aware of the average time frame before you commit to surgery should you struggle to take the time from work.
Consider medical pillows
One thing that many find covering is the discomfort when sleeping following a facelift. The first day following your surgery will be uncomfortable, but trying to sleep safely and comfortably is usually the biggest challenge. You will be advised to avoid sleeping on the surgical site, to keep your head upright to reduce swelling, and to do what you can to prevent yourself from turning in your sleep. Medical pillows can be beneficial for such situations as they are designed to keep your head upright. You can also use your standard pillows and place them on either side of your head to prevent any turning in the night. Silk pillowcases can be beneficial at this time, as your skin will be very delicate during the early stages of recovery.
Have support from friends and family
Support from family and friends is often one of the most important things to have prepared following surgery. It is hard to predict how you will manage after surgery as each patient is different, but having someone there to help should you need it will give you peace of mind. Whether it be cooking meals, getting pain medication at night, or helping with child care, having an extra pair of hands for at least a week will make a world of difference.
Keep meals nutritious yet easy
Following surgery, your red blood cells will be working hard to repair the surgical site and prevent any infections surrounding the area. With this, your immune system can deplete leaving you more vulnerable to illness. The best way to defend your immune system is to have nutritious and vitamin-rich meals following surgery. You may find it uncomfortable to have large meals, so starting with homemade vegetable soups is always a good start. Your prescribed pain medication might inhibit your appetite, but it is essential to push through and make sure you are eating enough nutrients to fuel your recovery.
Tend to any swelling
Swelling is to be expected, so be sure to have all of the necessary tools to help you manage this such as cooling packs and medications. The majority of swelling should subside within one to two weeks, but be sure to stay consistent with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. As mentioned, keeping your head upright to reduce swelling is important.
Bottom line
Overall, recovery from a facelift is just as essential as the procedure itself. Be sure to have support arranged for when you get home, consider purchasing items to aid your recovery such as a medical pillow, and of course maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.
Natalie Wilson is a freelance health and wellness writer. She loves researching and writing about new health trends and topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest health news. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog or browsing her nearest bookstore.
