What to Expect the first 30 Days after a Facelift

The battle against aging is a ruthless war that you may spend countless dollars on any number of products trying to fight. You could stop fighting the small battles and win the war with a rhytidectomy, otherwise known as a facelift. This is a quick simple way to reverse the effects of aging. We all know the signs: jowls, wrinkles, sagging skin, and crow’s feet. At Preminger Plastic Surgery, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger and her qualified staff want to help you with your desire to look more youthful today, but first, we think you should know a little about what to expect after your facelift in Manhattan.

If you’re considering a facelift then here’s what you should know

A facelift doesn’t work right away. It may take a month or so to see the results of the procedure. However, the recovery doesn’t take nearly that long. How you follow the post-procedural protocol will dictate how successfully and quickly you’ll heal. Just as every woman is different, so is every procedure and that’s why it is nearly impossible to note an exact time for healing without a consultation, but there are stages of recovery that we can help you understand the healing process.

Week 1

This is the time when you’ll be caring for any incisions and keeping yourself free from infections. The professionals at Preminger Plastic Surgery want to give you a day-by-day breakdown for this week. On day one, you may feel groggy and tired. You will need to have friends or family to care for you. You also may require pain medication so that you don’t feel any discomfort. The next day, you’ll need a follow-up visit. You will have your surgical dressings changed, and the incisions will be checked and cleaned. Once you’ve been redressed, you’ll be on your way back home. Day three should be a day of rest and relaxation. Be warned, you’ll start to feel better and want to do more, but this is the day your swelling will be at its peak. For the rest of your first week, you will be less likely to need pain medication and can begin to resume light activities.

Week 2

Most people will have mild swelling, some bruising, and possibly even numbness or tingling. That is all very normal, and we urge you not to be concerned. You’re likely to begin going back to work this week or resuming light activities like housework. If you feel restless, going on walks is encouraged, but not required. If, however, you decide to go outside even just to get in your car, be sure to shield your face using a hat or umbrella. In our professional experience, this is the time that people begin to feel like themselves again.

Weeks 3-4

The end of the third week is the latest that your sutures may be removed. You may experience tightness and swelling. Your incision area also may have a pink hue, but this is when you can begin working out again and socializing without any signs of your procedure. Physical and emotional improvements are most noted during these weeks.

One month later

Get ready to enjoy your life. Be the person you want to be socially, athletically, and career-wise. After 30 days you may experience minor feelings of bruising, tightness, and tingling, but seldom does anyone but you notice those side effects. It should only get better from here!

Facelift in Manhattan

Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, plastic surgeon in NYC, wants you to know that this a generalized time frame not specified to you. Every person has a unique set of circumstances and talking to Dr. Preminger is the best way to get a better outlook on what to expect after your procedure. Knowledge is power in this situation. The more you know about your healing and what to do following your procedure, the easier your recovery will be. That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to call us today. If you’re located in the Upper East Side or anywhere in New York City, then contact Preminger Plastic Surgery to schedule your discretionary consultation by contacting our office at (212) 706-1900.