Just Had Your Facelift Surgery with Dr. Truesdale?
Congratulations for completing your surgery with Dr. Truesdale in Beverly Hills. This page provides information to support your healing and reovery after surgery. If you are at a different stage in your facelift journey, click one of the links below:
Haven’t scheduled your consultation yet?
Click here to see if facelift surgery is right for you.
Haven’t gone to your consultation yet?
Click here for pre-surgery instructions.
Scheduled a facelift surgery?
Click here for post procedure instructions.
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How Long is Facelift Recovery?
Full recovery from your facelift can take up to 6 months, but you’ll look and feel better within just a few weeks of your surgery. In fact, most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within 7-10 days.
What is Recovery from a Facelift Like?
The facelift recovery process involves several restrictions on your activities in order to optimize the healing process. During your consultation and any follow-up visits, Dr. Truesdale will provide detailed information on your recovery process and the steps you should be taking to promote the most effective and comfortable healing process. In general, you can expect a recovery timeline that looks like this:
FIRST 24 HOURS
A dressing or head wrap will be applied, and you can expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness around the dressing, as well as swelling of your eyes. You will be asked to frequently apply ice compresses to the face while you are awake. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after surgery. Sleep on your back, with your head elevated.
WEEK 1
You should continue resting during this time, taking time off of work and social activities. Most patients experience more discomfort than pain. Use pain medication as directed or needed, and follow all of Dr. Truesdale’s post-operative instructions. You will see Dr. Truesdale to change your head dressing three days after surgery. Continue icing your face frequently while you are awake.
WEEK 2
You can anticipate going back to work after about ten days, and many patients begin to look and feel better during this time period. Sutures and surgical staples will be removed about 8 days after surgery. You should continue resting and sleeping on your back, with your head elevated, for two full weeks after your surgery.
WEEK 3-4
After three weeks of recovery, you can begin easing back into light activities and exercise. Before then, however, it’s important to avoid straining, bending, exercise and other strenuous activities.
WEEK 5-6
To minimize scarring and other side effects, you should avoid sun exposure for six weeks and wear SPF 50 every day.
MONTHS 2-3
Tightness, numbness and swelling will continue to reside over the first two to three months. You should avoid smoking, alcohol, and excessive salt consumption throughout the recovery process. Full healing may take up to six months.
Post-operative / recovery
Dr. Truesdale’s team has emailed you detailed information on how to promote the most effective and comfortable healing process.
You will see Dr. Truesdale to change your head dressing three days after surgery.
You can anticipate going back to work after about ten days
Most patients experience more discomfort than pain. Use pain medication as directed or needed, and follow all of Dr. Truesdale’s post-operative instructions.
Continue to get lots of rest and ice your face frequently while you are awake.
Extended Healing
Sutures and surgical staples will be removed about eight days after surgery.
Avoid straining, bending, and exercise for three weeks.
Rest and sleep on your back, with your head elevated for two weeks.
Full healing may take up to six months
Avoid sun exposure for six weeks and wear SPF 50 every day.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and salt.
Tightness, numbness, and swelling will continue to reside over the first two-three months.
STILL UNSURE?Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon Can I Exercise After My Facelift?
Dr. Truesdale and his team will walk you through the specific restrictions required after your facelift. Generally, you’ll be able to go for light walks 24 hours after surgery. This is even encouraged, as it helps with the healing process. Light cardio, such as an elliptical machine or spin bike on a low resistance can begin on post-operative day seven (7). Do not engage in any heavy cardiovascular activity (running), any activity that involves straining (weight lifting) or anything that involves bending over (yoga, pilates) for at least three (3) weeks, unless otherwise instructed.
What Medications Can I Take After My Facelift Surgery?
Oral medications take 30-45 minutes to take effect. Try to stay ahead of the pain by taking the medication when you begin to feel pain returning rather than waiting for it to become severe. Pain medications should not be taken any more frequently than listed on their packaging.
Only take the prescribed narcotics (Norco, Percocet, Tylenol with Codeine, etc.) for severe pain. For mild or moderate pain, take Extra-Strength Tylenol. Do not take aspirin (ASA, Excedrin) or anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Excedrin, Naproxen, Nuprin, Anacin, etc.) until Dr. Truesdale clears you to do so. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach.
Is a Facelift Permanent?
The facelift procedure is a long-lasting one, but it cannot be considered permanent. You will continue to age after your facelift, but you’ll almost certainly age more gracefully than if you had not had the procedure done. Dr. Truesdale also offers temporary non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, that can help prolong your results without additional surgery. Discuss your goals with Dr. Truesdale and he can share surgical and non-surgical options, as applicable, and his recommendations for what would be best for you.