A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can improve signs of aging caused by the effects of gravity, stress, and sun exposure. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat, tightening of the underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. Since it is more difficult to cover the face than it is to cover other body parts, you'll want to make sure your recovery goes without a hitch to avoid any preventable complications.
- How to Care for Your Face After Facelift Surgery Your face will be swollen after a facelift. To learn how to minimize swelling and to heal your incisions so that they're as invisible as is possible, read this section.
- Pain Management After Facelift Surgery Read this section for pointers on how to minimze your discomfort after your facelift surgery.
- Activity After Facelift Surgery It is important to not resume certain activites too soon after a facelift. Read here for tips on when you may be able to drive, exercise, and return to work after surgery.
Sources:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Face Lift Recovery. Accessed May 22, 2011.
Hidalgo DA, Stuzin JM. Rhytidectomy. In Evans GRD, ed. Operative Plastic Surgery. New York: McGraw Hill, 2000.
Mentz HA. Multilayer Rhytidectomy. In Evans GRD, ed. Operative Plastic Surgery. New York: McGraw Hill, 2000.
Thorne CH, Steinbrech DS. Face Lift and Brow Lift. In McCarthy JG, Galiano RD, Boutros SG, eds. Current Therapy in Plastic Surgery. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
