After getting a facelift, expect to take a week or two off to rest and recover at home. Taking a few easy steps to prep for your facelift recovery before your procedure can go a long way to make your rest and recovery process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
One easy way to prepare for your facelift is to make a shopping list of some essentials you might need or want to have on hand after a facelift. Be sure to include these top five items on your list.
Loose, Comfy Clothes
Have a few sets of button-up or zip-up shirts or pajamas so you don’t have to pull anything over your head for the first few days after your facelift. You’ll also be lounging around the house for a week or so, so make sure you have plenty of comfy clothes without having to do laundry.
On the day of your deep plane facelift, wear loose-fitting, comfy clothes, including a button-up or zip-up top that you won’t have to pull over your head. Don’t wear any jewelry, makeup, perfume or use any skincare products.
Extra Pillows and Blankets
Many people find it helpful to sleep in a reclining chair for the first few days during their facelift recovery. This can help you stay in a comfortable position through the night without worrying about rolling onto your side or stomach and will also help to reduce swelling by keeping your head elevated. You might want to have some extra pillows and blankets on hand to make sleeping in a recliner comfortable. Some people try neck pillows or body pillows for this.
Cold Compresses
Cold compresses will come in handy during your facelift recovery to reduce swelling and make you feel more comfortable. You can buy cold compresses that come filled with a gel that you just pop in the freezer, or you can put ice in a hot water bag.
Always place a clean, dry towel or cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes, then leave it off for 20 minutes before reapplying.
Keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses and staying hydrated will help to reduce swelling after your facelift.
Hair Ties or Clips
Have plenty of hair ties or hair clips handy to keep your hair out of your face and out of the way of incisions so you can keep them clean. You won’t be able to blow-dry your hair for the first few weeks after getting facelift surgery, so these can also be good to have on hand in lieu of styling your hair.
Entertainment
Now might be the perfect time to sign up for a new streaming subscription service, treat yourself to an e-reader or stock up on your favorite crossword puzzles or sudokus.
Set yourself up with a cozy recovery space that’s full of any entertainment items you might want in the next week or so, as well as essentials like tissues, lip balm and flexible straws.
Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!
