How long until the anesthesia wears off after surgery?
I usually perform my facelifts under general anesthesia. You are usually awake an hour after surgery but the anesthetic effects may take a day or two to completely wear off.
When can I go home?
You will spend one night in the hospital and can go home the following day.
How long until I can drive?
About a week. You will be swollen and bruised for 1-2 weeks. When you are not taking any narcotic pain medications (i.e. Darvocet, Tylenol with codeine, Vicodin, or Percocet) you will be able to drive.
How long until I can exercise?
It is important not to do any strenuous exercise for two weeks after a facelift. This is because you can tear a small blood vessel and cause a hematoma or blood collection. I recommend that you not do any heavy lifting (nothing more than a phone book) or do any activity that would increase your blood pressure or raise your pulse during those first two weeks post surgery. If you have high blood pressure, it must be well under control prior to surgery.
How long until I can return to work?
Approximately 2 weeks, depending on the type of job you have.
What kind of timeline can I expect:
- Drain removal – 1-2 days
- Shower – 48 hours after your drains are removed
- Suture removal – 5 days
- Swelling – ~ 1 months
- Exercise – None for 2 weeks
- Work – 2 weeks depending on your job
- Regular clothes – 1 day
- Follow-up appointments – 5 days, 2 & 4 weeks and then at 2 months and every few months as needed
Where will the scar be located and how visible will it be?
A facelift scar is hidden in the temple of region of your hair above your ear, runs down in front of your ear or along the tragus of your ear, and then down behind your earlobe and up into the posterior hairline. These scars tend to heal very well. The scars behind the ear and in the hairline may become wider.
What are the risks and complications of face lift or cervical facial rhytidectomy surgery?
Infection, scarring, numbness, pain, hematoma, seromas, skin slough, injury to nerves, vessels, and adjacent soft tissues, asymmetry, damage to deeper structures, swelling, delayed healing, and the need for further surgery.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for a facelift is to contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodman.