How Soon Can I Go Out in Public After Facelift?

Posted on September 16, 2016 by: Dr. Ronald DeMars

Considered to be the gold standard in facial rejuvenation, facelift surgery has the potential to provide life-changing, beautiful results. It’s no surprise, then, that many patients cannot wait to show off their refreshed appearance immediately after their treatment. But just like any surgical procedure, facelift does require some downtime. In this blog post, Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald DeMars discusses the recovery timeline for facelift as well as tips on how to speed up recovery.

What to Expect During Facelift Recovery

Immediately following facelift surgery, your face and neck will be wrapped in surgical dressings. These dressings are usually removed the next day. For the first few days after surgery, you may have some swelling and bruising in the treated areas. You can apply a cold compress or ice pack to minimize the swelling. Dr. DeMars can also prescribe pain medication for you to take during the first few days of recovery. Rest is imperative during the first week after surgery; you will need to avoid strenuous activity and take time off from work. You will also need to apply sunscreen to the facial and neck skin to protect your incision scars from the sun.

Most patients can hide scars with makeup concealer and go out in public after about a week and a half to two weeks. At this time, most of the swelling and bruising caused by facelift surgery have subsided significantly.

Listen to the Doctor’s Orders

Keep in mind that this is only a general timeline. The length of recovery after surgery varies by patient. Ultimately, the length of your recovery will depend on various factors such as the extent of work done, your personal healing progress and your post-op care. Dr. DeMars can provide you with a more detailed timeline on your recovery during your consultation. Rest assured that Dr. DeMars will be available during your recovery process. He will meet with you several times to monitor your healing progress. During this time, Dr. DeMars may make modifications to your post-op care in order to speed up your recovery.

If you are interested in learning more about facelift surgery, including whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, contact Dr. DeMars’ office today. Schedule a one-on-one consultation by calling (503) 253-3458.