When I talk with men and women from the Naples and Ft. Myers, FL, area about facelift recovery, I discuss the 2 types of recovery to consider. Physical recovery (returning to normal daily tasks) comes first, but social recovery (confidently returning to social settings) is a bit different. Both are important to understand as you plan for downtime following your facelift.
Let’s take a look at each type of recovery and discuss how soon you can expect to be back to your daily life, social events and all.
How much physical downtime does a facelift require?
The bulk of your physical downtime will only last 7 to 10 days, and you’ll need the most rest during the first 2 to 3 days.
Your physical ability to return to work will depend on how physically demanding your job is. If your job is mostly office work, you may need to take just 7 to 10 days off. If you have a more physical job that involves tasks such as heavy lifting, you may need to take up to 3 weeks off.
You’ll be able to resume most exercise after 3 weeks, though it’s important to pay attention to your body and not push yourself too far too soon.
How much social downtime does a facelift require?
You’ll likely need to rest and hold off on social appearances for the first solid week. During this time, you’ll have some bruising, which typically peaks at 2 days and can last for about 2 weeks. Your incisions will still be healing, and you’ll have dressings in place.
After 7 to 10 days, you’ll be able to wear makeup to cover any remaining bruising. This is when many people return to office work. It may be 3 or so weeks before your swelling and bruising are fully resolved and you feel ready to step out socially. From that point, your incisions will continue to fade and become even less noticeable for the next 6 to 9 months.
What is the best way to plan ahead for facelift downtime?
One way you can plan ahead is by scheduling your surgery for the winter, which is a popular season for facelifts. The holidays often provide more time away from work, making your recovery more convenient.
If working remotely is an option for you, it can make the transition even easier. If you feel physically well but don’t feel you look your best yet, working from home for a couple of days can be a convenient option worth discussing with your boss.
Is facelift recovery worth it?
In plastic surgery, more downtime is typically associated with more significant corrections, which reflects a longer-term investment. Taking those couple of weeks to recover and enjoying the result for years is often more worth your time than making multiple visits back to our office for nonsurgical treatment touch-ups. This can even be a cost-effective choice. Learn more in our previous blog post.
To see examples of the results you can expect from a facelift at my practice, please visit my before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about facelift recovery in the Ft. Myers area, please contact us online or call (239) 262-5662.
Leave a Reply