A facelift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that repositions the deeper tissues beneath the skin and creates a natural-looking contour by smoothing the skin and removing excessive fat.
Surgical swelling and discoloration can last up to two weeks, but most patients can appreciate their results within a month.
It is a normal part of the healing process for the face to swell, but it can be bothersome and unbecoming. The plastic surgeon can mitigate this adverse effect with basic home remedies and instructions from your Newport Beach, CA.
Ice is frequently used to treat minor scrapes and injuries but can also reduce edema after a facelift. Freezing temperatures can reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and silencing nerve receptors.
Applying ice compresses for 20 minutes at a time is recommended, avoiding direct skin contact. It can impair healing tissue if performed excessively.
Resting with your head elevated can also help to reduce edema. This will aid in the removal of excessive fluids from the surgical site.
While the degree of edema after a facelift varies from patient to patient, it typically subsides within three to four weeks. In the first week after surgery, swelling is typically at its worst, but it can still be managed with adequate rest and pain medication.
Those who have undertaken a facelift, rhinoplasty, or other surgical procedure are likely aware that discoloration is a common side effect of recovery. Bruising after surgery is caused by blood seeping from capillaries or minute blood vessels.
Bruises are most noticeable at the initial surgical site and typically last between two and four weeks before fading. It is essential to keep the afflicted area cool during this time.
In addition to icing, elevating the area can help reduce discoloration. Heat should be avoided because it dilates blood vessels and accentuates bruising.
Over several weeks, bruises will progressively diminish, but some may remain dark or discoloured. This is known as a hemosiderin stain. Eventually, the body's immune system will eliminate the discoloration.
The transient numbness that follows facelift surgery is caused by postoperative edema and inflammation. Typically, it subsides within 3 to 6 weeks.
During the operation, the surgeon cuts tiny nerve fibres near or behind the ear. This numbness is temporary and should gradually subside as the area regains sensitivity.
Loss of cutaneous sensation around the incision site is also a normal and anticipated complication of surgery. Nevertheless, some patients may suffer permanent nerve injury.
This is an uncommon complication that should only arise in cases of extreme severity. Before undergoing surgery, discussing this with your facial plastic surgeon is essential.
Pain and edema following a facelift are typically moderate. Please seek medical attention if you experience severe pain or discomfort after your procedure.
Following a facelift, your face, neck, and ears may feel feeble or unresponsive. This is normal and will progressively diminish over time.
You should also anticipate discoloration in the region where your surgeon performed the procedure. This is a natural procedure complication and should subside within a few weeks.
It is essential to keep your skull elevated as much as possible to reduce edema and promote healing. In addition, it is essential to take prescribed pain medication as directed.