Getting a deep plane facelift is a big step, both in body and mind. Everyone’s recovery is different. Getting ready is key to a good result. Mr Grover, a top plastic surgeon, says “the detail of facelift surgery is crucial” – this is true for getting ready and during the surgery. Here are tips for those preparing for a deep plane face and neck lift. Remember, everyone’s recovery is unique, so use this guide as a starting point.
Key Takeaways
- Patients may need about two weeks to feel ready to show themselves off after a deep plane facelift.
- About 10% of people might feel sick after the surgery and will need medicine.
- Some patients might feel very sleepy or not tired at all right after the surgery.
- Swelling after the surgery can be a lot or a little, changing how the face looks and feels.
- Days two and three after surgery, many people feel uncomfortable, sore, and tight in the face and neck. This can make them feel sad or down.
The deep plane facelift gives a natural look that lasts for 10-15 years. It works on sagging jowls, nasolabial folds, and the jawline. Recovery takes 2-3 weeks, with swelling and bruising at first. People usually start doing normal things again in that time. Dr. Michael Devlin is an expert in facial plastic surgery, offering personal care and new techniques for a full facial refresh.
Are you thinking about a deep plane facelift but don’t know what recovery will be like? Check out this detailed guide on healing and changing your look. Learn how to go through this important journey to a younger, fresher face.
Preparing for Deep Plane Facelift Surgery
Deciding on a deep plane facelift surgery is a big step. It needs careful planning, both in terms of organisation and emotional readiness. Being well-prepared can make your recovery smoother and improve your results.
Logistical Preparation
Before your surgery, there are key steps to follow:
- Stop drinking alcohol a month before surgery to lessen bruising and swelling.
- Don’t take vitamins, supplements, Aspirin, or painkillers two weeks before surgery to lower bleeding risks.
- Have a pre-admission check with the hospital two weeks before to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
- Make a list of things you’ll need like a “V” pillow, facial wipes, comfy clothes, a fan, and some food and entertainment.
Emotional Preparation
Facelift surgery is an emotional journey. It’s vital to be mentally and emotionally ready. People who are motivated and ready for it tend to recover better. Trust in the process, be patient, and believe in your surgical team to help you.
“Patience is a form of action.” – Auguste Rodin
Healing and recovery take time, and everyone’s experience is different. Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your own journey, trusting in your surgeon and their team.
The Days Leading Up to Your Facelift
As your facelift surgery day gets closer, it’s key to get ready both in terms of planning and feeling mentally prepared. The night before, wash your hair well with your usual shampoo to keep it clean. Also, take off all makeup and remove any jewellery, like bracelets. And, don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, no matter what others say.
On the day of your surgery, go to the hospital without makeup. Makeup can increase the risk of infection. Make sure you arrive at the hospital by 06.15-06.30 at the latest. This will help you start your facelift post-op care without stress.
| Timeline | Key Preparation Steps |
|---|---|
| Evening Before Surgery |
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| Morning of Surgery |
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Preparing well before your deep plane surgery recovery ensures a smooth surgery. This makes your deep plane lift aftercare easier and more effective.
The Immediate Post-Operative Period
After a deep plane facelift, patients follow a structured recovery plan. This phase is key for a smooth deep plane lift recovery period and deep plane lift healing time.
At the Hospital
A light dressing is put on after the operation and stays overnight. Patients sit semi-upright to lessen swelling right away. Though there’s little pain, a tight neck feeling is common, but it eases in a few days.
The dressings come off the next day, and nurses wash the patient’s hair. Then, it’s a day of rest and relaxation.
To help with deep plane facelift recovery, cool pads soaked in iced water are applied to the face. Nurses help with this. After two nights, the patient goes home. The surgical team checks on them daily, offering advice on the facelift recovery timeline.
At Home: “Netflix and Chill”
Patients should rest for 10-12 days, doing light house chores and watching favourite shows on Netflix. Swelling increases in the first 2-3 days, then goes down over the next 2-4 weeks. This is part of the deep plane facelift recovery process.
“Following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is key for a smooth recovery and the best results.”
The First Week of deep plane facelift recovery
Feeling great after a deep plane facelift can quickly change as you start your recovery. The first week brings swelling and a deep soreness or tightness. This makes it hard to open your mouth wide or turn your neck easily.
Pain levels after the surgery vary a lot, from none to seven out of ten. But, 90% of people can go back to work or social life by week three without anyone noticing they had surgery.
It’s key to take it easy, avoid mirrors, and ice constantly during this time. This helps with swelling and discomfort. Some might feel depression or the “facelift blues” as the excitement fades and worries take over.
Eating right after surgery, with lots of protein and less salt and sugar, helps with recovery. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is also good for speeding up healing and reducing swelling.
“The recovery process following a facelift surgery is a year-long journey featuring significant milestones and gradual improvements.”
The first few weeks are the toughest part of recovery, but it takes several months to fully heal. You can start doing normal activities like work, school, and exercise in a couple of weeks. The healing process takes about six to twelve months to fully settle, making your results look more natural.
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Sutures Removed | After the first week of surgery |
| Resuming Light Walking | After one week of surgery |
| Returning to Sedentary Work | After a week or two |
| Diminished Bruising and Swelling | A couple of weeks post-surgery |
The Second Week: “I Hope No One Notices”
The second week after a deep plane facelift shows big changes. Swelling starts to go down, and bruises fade. You might see the skin in front of the ears and behind turn a bit discoloured. This is because new blood vessels are bringing it to life.
Some people might feel tingling or pins and needles as their skin starts to feel normal again. Swelling under the chin can look worse in the mornings or after eating salty foods. But as it goes down, you might see lumps and bumps. These will soften and go away.
This stage can be tough emotionally. You might worry you look worse than you expected. But remember, healing times vary for everyone. What you see as too much swelling is probably just normal recovery.
| Symptom | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Swelling Reduction | Gradual decrease over the second week |
| Bruising Improvement | Gradual reduction, may persist for up to two months |
| Numbness and Tingling | Sensation starts to return as nerves heal |
| Lumps and Bumps | Soften and fade as swelling subsides |
At this key part of the deep plane facelift recovery period, it’s vital to stick to your surgeon’s advice. Be patient with how you’re healing. Everyone’s experience is different, and what you’re going through is normal.
“The second week can be an emotional rollercoaster, but try to trust the process. Your swelling and bruising will continue to improve, and soon you’ll be feeling more like yourself.”
The Third Week: “This Is Going To Be OK”
By the third week, most people are back at work or spending time with loved ones after a facelift. This can be scary, as they worry about how people will see them. But, often, the changes are not noticeable, which can be both a relief and a letdown for some.
During this phase, people try out different hairstyles and makeup to hide any signs of surgery. Yet, they might still worry that someone will spot the difference. The face feels tight, and the focus shifts from the scar to the lump they feel, keeping them up at night.
The facelift recovery process is not always smooth. It has its ups and downs. But, the trend is mostly positive. It’s key to remember that the surgery is for oneself, not for others’ approval.
“The great irony in facelifting is that my patient’s want nothing more than a natural imperceptible result but when they have one and no-one comments it’s deflating.”
As the third week goes on, patients will keep a close eye on their healing. They should take heart in knowing they’re on the right path, even if it doesn’t feel like it every day.
| Facelift Recovery Timeline | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| Day 2-3 Post-Surgery | Patients may feel nauseous and dislike their appearance due to swelling and soreness. |
| Week 1 Post-Surgery | Swelling can lead to a temporary double chin, which will go away. |
| Week 2 Post-Surgery | Changes occur daily as swelling descends and bruises fade. |
| Week 3 Post-Surgery | Most patients return to work or meet family and friends who are unaware of their surgery. |
| Week 4 Post-Surgery | Approximately 80% of the swelling has typically gone, leaving the facial features looking natural. |
| 2 Months Post-Surgery | Most patients begin to feel almost complete sensation in their face, with scars becoming difficult to see. |
By the third week of facelift recovery, patients start to feel more confident and hopeful. The journey has its ups and downs, but the overall trend is positive. The surgery’s results will keep getting better over time.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline
Getting a deep plane facelift is a big step that needs careful thought about recovery. This timeline will walk you through healing and restoration stages. It helps you prepare and manage your recovery expectations.
The Day of Surgery
At the Glasgold Group, we do deep plane facelifts under twilight anaesthesia. This is safer and helps you recover faster than general anaesthesia. After surgery, you can go home the same day.
The Day After Surgery
The day after, you’ll come back to our practice for a check-up. You won’t have bandages or drains, so you can wash your face and hair gently. You might see some bruising and swelling, but it will get better over time. Using cold compresses can reduce swelling.
After One Month
By a month after, you’ll likely be back at work or school. You can start exercising again. Some numbness or tightness might still be there, but the swelling and bruising will be gone. You’ll see the first results of your facelift.
After Six Months
In six months, many people see a big change from their facelift. Following your surgeon’s post-op advice closely ensures a smooth recovery. This leads to results that can last 10 to 15 years.
The mini lift is a less invasive option. It has a quicker recovery time. It’s great for those wanting a fresh look without the long downtime of a full facelift.
“Following the instructions from your surgeon to the letter will help your recovery period go as smoothly as possible and will help ensure that you get long-lasting results.”
Conclusion
The recovery after a deep plane facelift takes a few months, but it’s worth it. The toughest part is usually over within a few weeks. After that, you can start doing normal things like going back to work or school and exercising.
Every person is different, so your surgeon will give you advice that fits you. Knowing what happens after surgery helps you plan your recovery. This way, you can take the right amount of time off from work and arrange for childcare or pet care early.
Understanding the deep plane facelift recovery process and how to heal well will help you get the youthful look you want. By following your surgeon’s advice and being active in your recovery, you can enjoy the lasting results of this big change.
FAQ
What should I do one month before my deep plane facelift surgery?
Stop drinking alcohol as it makes your blood thinner. This can reduce bruising and swelling after surgery, making recovery easier.
What should I do two weeks before my deep plane facelift surgery?
Stop taking vitamins, supplements, and painkillers like Brufen and Nurofen. This lowers your risk of bleeding and bruising during surgery.
What should I do one week before my deep plane facelift surgery?
If you colour your hair, do it about a week before surgery. You can colour it again 4 weeks after surgery.
What should I buy before my deep plane facelift surgery?
Buy a “V” pillow from John Lewis, “Simple” facial wipes, and comfy clothes that fasten at the front. Also, get a fan, Netflix subscription, books, and magazines, and stock up on food.
How important is emotional preparation for a deep plane facelift?
Being motivated for your facelift helps with a smoother recovery. If you’re too nervous or worried, it might slow down your recovery. Make sure you’re truly ready for it.
What should I do the evening before my deep plane facelift surgery?
Wash your hair with your usual shampoo, remove all makeup, and take off any jewellery. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
What happens on the day of my deep plane facelift surgery?
Arrive at the hospital without makeup by 06:15-06:30 at the latest. After the operation, a light dressing will be applied, and you’ll be kept sitting up to reduce swelling.
What happens the day after my deep plane facelift surgery?
The dressings will be removed, and the nurses will wash your hair. You’ll be advised to use cool pads soaked in iced water on your face to lessen swelling.
What should I expect during the first 10-12 days of my deep plane facelift recovery?
Rest for the first 10-12 days, moving around the house and watching Netflix but stay indoors. Swelling will increase in the first 2-3 days and then start to go down over the next 2-4 weeks.
What can I expect during the second week of my deep plane facelift recovery?
You’ll see changes daily as swelling goes down and bruising fades. You might notice skin discolouration and feel tingling or pins and needles as feeling comes back.
When can I expect to return to work or meet family and friends after my deep plane facelift?
You can usually go back to work or see family and friends in the second week. It might feel scary, thinking people will notice your recovery, but most of the time, no one even notices.
How long does the deep plane facelift recovery process typically take?
Recovery can take several months, but the hardest part is usually over in a few weeks. After a couple of weeks, you can start doing most of your normal activities, like going to work or exercising.
What kind of results can I expect from a deep plane facelift?
You can see results for 10 to 15 years in many cases. Following your surgeon’s instructions closely will help your recovery and ensure lasting results.
