Because facelifts are such a major surgery, it takes a lot of effort and preparation on your part to make sure the procedure goes smoothly. During your recovery, you’re going to be in a delicate state and you’ll need a lot of R&R. There a few things you should know about staying healthy and safe during your healing process.
Bring a Buddy
After the procedure you might still be experiencing the effects of anesthesia, and you might not be in the best condition to drive. If you’re getting an ambulatory procedure, then you’ll need someone to stay with you overnight.
It’s also smart to have someone there to help you go to the bathroom for the first 24 hours after the surgery. Since typical facelifts require the placement of drains in your incisions, you might also need someone to assist you to drain them.
Sleep Easy
When it’s time to hit the hay you should sleep on your back with your head elevated above your heart. This can help minimalize swelling.
No Strenuous Activity
Try to avoid strenuous sports and exercise for about three weeks. That also means avoiding anything that can raise your heart rate: that means no hot tubbing, saunas, brisk walking, and yes, even sexual activity. But here’s some good news: heavy housework should also be avoided.
Keep It Natural
No hair drying, electric rollers, curling irons, or hair coloring or bleaching for three weeks. Don’t despair, you can wash your hair after you’ve removed your dressings. You can also put on makeup after your bandages have been removed, but make sure it’s a good ways away from the incision. You should also avoid aspirin, alcohol, and smoking for the first five days.
How Will It Feel?
It’s common to have some swelling and bruising after your surgery and a little bit of tightness and numbness in certain parts of your face. Don’t worry, these will dissipate as you recover.
What Options Do I Have?
It’s important to add that not all facelifts are created equally. There are techniques with shorter recovery times and minimal scarring. For instance the Sluplift, developed by Dr. Oleh Slupchynskyj, is less invasive because it uses smaller, more precise incisions than regular facelifts. No extra incisions, stitches, or drains. A patient can recover in less than a week, which is less than a third of the time it takes for regular facelifts.
The amount of time you spend recovering from a Sluplift will be nothing compared to the long-lasting rejuvenation it can provide. If you want a facelift from a team that specializes in quality care and precision then contact Dr. Oleh Slupchynskyj from the Aesthetic Institute of New York and New Jersey for a consultation on the Sluplift.