Facelift Recovery: Timeline, Massage and Post-Op Care

For those looking to minimize signs of aging such as wrinkles, facial volume loss or sagging skin, facelifts are a type of procedure that allows for personalized results tailored to address individual needs. Thanks to modern innovations in facelift procedures, patients can expect a more refreshed, youthful appearance with less recovery time.

Dr. Schaffer offers a personalized approach to facelift surgery that not only leads to natural-looking results but also allows his patients to enjoy exceptional support throughout their entire experience.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Throughout the different stages of your recovery, rest is an important part of your body’s natural healing process. It is recommended that patients take one to two weeks off work and recruit a friend or family member to help out around the house for the first 48 to 72 hours to allow for maximum rest and safety.

Immediate Recovery (1-3 Days After Surgery)

Immediately following your surgery, you will experience significant swelling and bruising, and you will have some discomfort. Dr. Schaffer will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions that can help you best manage the pain. To stay as comfortable as possible during this time and to allow your body to heal effectively, you should rest, keep your head elevated and use ice packs to reduce swelling.

Short-Term Recovery (Weeks 1-3 Following Surgery)

During this time, you will find that most swelling and bruising subside significantly, and your pain levels will decrease. During this stage, most patients can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications. Light exercise is recommended during this time, but rest should still be a priority. Most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days.

Long-Term Recovery (Months 1-6 Following Surgery)

Patients typically have a follow-up appointment about one month after surgery, in which Dr. Schaffer can evaluate results and provide you with personalized guidance for the next stage of recovery. While you will likely be enjoying your facelift results at this point, keep in mind that it can take up to a year for your full results to be revealed. As you move forward following facelift surgery, it’s important to stay hydrated, protect your skin from the sun and avoid smoking to protect and preserve your surgery results.

Facelift Massage for Healing

The primary benefit of massaging the face after a facelift is to expedite the healing process. Massage improves blood circulation, which carries nutrients to the skin and prevents the buildup of toxins. It also reduces scarring by lessening tissue buildup and softening the skin around the scar tissue. Swelling also decreases because it helps fluid move from the facial tissues into the lymph system. Additionally, gentle massage will ease pain by adding warmth to the face and limiting the signals sent by pain receptors to the brain. When done gently and correctly, a facial massage after a facelift can be extremely supportive of the body’s natural healing processes.

Dr. Schaffer recommends lymphatic drainage massage after the facelift procedure to promote natural healing, but it is important to consult your surgeon before starting massages. Dr. Schaffer can help you determine if a facelift massage is the right technique for your recovery.

Caring for Yourself After Your Facelift Surgery

In addition to caring for your wounds and keeping your facelift incisions clean, you should prioritize self-care during your recovery. In the first few weeks following the surgery, you should avoid sun exposure. If you do go out, make sure to use SPF sunscreen to protect your incisions and prevent visible scarring. Silicone gel and vitamin E can also help decrease scarring.

While the primary purpose of the facelift is to rejuvenate your appearance and allow you to feel more confident, it’s important to keep in mind that you may experience surprising emotions about your appearance changes. Dr. Schaffer works closely with his patients to manage their expectations and ensure that they understand the possible outcomes of their surgery, which helps his patients better cope with physical changes after the surgery is complete. Remember that it can take up to a full year for your results to be revealed, so patience during recovery is key.

Recovery FAQs

Patient Testimonials

After several consultations with different doctors, we returned to the first consult – Dr. Schaffer. He makes you feel at ease and not embarrassed at all during a consultation. He listens to you and strives to make you happy with your self-image. However, he also provides objective feedback that you may or may not have considered before.

— Katherine G., former patient

Dr. Schaffer and his staff are wonderful. After having a not-so-pleasant consult elsewhere, I had a consultation with Dr. Schaffer. He was extremely informative and took time to answer any question I had. I just had my procedure done yesterday and am already super satisfied with my results. You will not be disappointed in him or any of his staff. Very professional and very caring.

— Jennica, former patient