After months of planning, you’ve finally had your facelift surgery. Of course you’re excited to see how you look, but it’s important to remember that recovery takes time. With patience, your best self will shine through. Knowing what to expect will help you get through the coming hours, weeks and months.
Day 1
When you wake up from your surgery you may feel chilly and a little nauseated. Talk to your caregivers and let them know. You may also feel a bit emotional, and your face may feel tight and tender. All of these things are normal and will pass a short time into your facelift recovery.
After a family member or friend has driven you home, you will likely still feel a little groggy. In the hours and days following your facelift, it is normal to experience some discomfort. Your surgeon can prescribe medication to help give you some relief.
Week 1
Your first post-operative appointment is usually scheduled for the day after your surgery, at which time your surgeon will remove your dressings. You may also have your hair washed at that time.
Most patients are up and about within a few days. Bruising and swelling are normal over the first week, so it’s important to know you might look “worse,” before you look better.
Week 2
Sutures will likely be removed in 6-7 days.
Most people plan to go back to work, with makeup, in two weeks. If you are planning any kind of special event (wedding, reunion, etc.) it’s best to plan for 1 to 4 months after your surgery.
Weeks 3 & 4
During the 3 and 4 weeks of recovery, your incisions will start to improve, and you will begin to look and feel much better. You should be ready to get back to many of your normal activities as long as they aren’t too strenuous. At this time you will see great improvement and it will be difficult for someone else to know you’ve had the procedure.
One Month and Beyond
While it only took about 2-4 weeks to resume most of your normal activities, it can take up to a full year for all of the residual swelling, bruising and skin sensations to subside. Your facial plastic surgeon will want to see you frequently throughout this first year to make sure you are healing properly along the way.
If you have any questions around what you can and cannot do after your facelift, please don’t hesitate to call our helpful staff at Ahn Point.
About Dr. Min S. Ahn
Facial Plastic Surgeon · Ahn Point Center
- Board certification
- Education and training
- Harvard University, B.A. in Biology, cum laude
- George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
- University of California, San Francisco, Head and Neck Surgery (Internship/Residency)
- Research at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Surgery
- Medical degree, George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology cum Laude, Harvard University (1985–1989)
- Degree in medicine, with Distinction, The George Washington University School of Medicine (1990–1994)
- Internship in General Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1994–1995)
- Residency in Head and Neck Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1995–1999)
- Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1999–2000)
- Hospital affiliations
- UMASS Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA
- Memberships
- The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- The California Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- The American College of Surgeons
- The Massachusetts Medical Society
- The American Medical Association
- The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
- Awards
- Boston Magazine Top Doctor: 2022-2026
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor: 2023-2026
- NPI
- 1255326112
- Offices
- Wellesley · Westborough · Beverly Hills