Department of Surgery

Strong Health's Specialists in Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery

Recovery After Face Lift Surgery

Immediately Following Surgery

The dressings usually remain intact for 48-72 hours. When the dressings are changed for the first time, the drains will be removed. The stitches are removed about a week after surgery. You should rest in bed for the first day or two after surgery. Your face will look pale, bruised, and swollen and your skin will be both tender and numb. All this is normal and will disappear in time.

After A Few Weeks

You’ll avoid strenuous activity (including heavy housework and sex) for at least two weeks, and alcohol, steam baths and saunas for several months. You should be able to return to work two to three weeks after surgery, though it could be several weeks before you feel completely up to speed.

For the first three weeks after surgery you should not use a pillow when lying down; using a pillow can damage the tightened skin. Men may find they have to shave behind the ears and neck, because beard-growing skin has been repositioned there. You'll have some scars from the surgery, but they're usually hidden in the natural creases of your face and ears or by your hair and they will fade in time and should be scarcely visible.

Healing is Slow - But Results Are Great

Many people feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery, especially in the early days when their faces are bruised and swollen. This is quite normal and will pass. Healing is slow and gradual and sometimes the final results of the surgery aren’t apparent for many months or more. The aging process will continue; no surgery can stop that. But remember why you chose to have the surgery. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.