How Can Facelift Swelling be Managed at Home?

One of the most common and expected side effects after facelift surgery is swelling. When facelift swelling is more severe than anticipated – or when it lingers – it can understandably be discouraging and prevent patients from seeing their developing results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the caring team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV are committed to helping patients have a safe, comfortable, efficient, and rapid facelift recovery experience so that they can enjoy their stunning new look as soon as possible. In this blog, we’ll discuss effective ways to reduce facelift swelling at home – as well as things patients should avoid after facelift surgery.

How is a facelift performed?

There are many facelift techniques available today, each of which is designed to address a specific set of concerns. Furthermore, most facelift surgeries are customized to meet the individual needs and goals of the patient. Based on a patient’s signs of aging, degree of facial aging, skin elasticity, and other factors, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend one of the following facial rejuvenation surgeries:

• Traditional facelift
• Short scar facelift
• SMAS facelift
• Lower facelift
• Brow lift
• Eyelid lift

Most often, facelift surgery is performed using general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. Using a series of incisions within or behind the hairline, around the ears, and/or under the chin, Dr. Khorsandi will trim excess skin, lift and tighten muscle layers, and resculpt the features to create a firmer, more youthful, natural new look. Following facelift surgery, patients may be kept for 24 – 48 hours for observation, after which time they will begin their facelift recovery at home.

What can you do to reduce facelift swelling?

Some of the most effective at-home ways to reduce swelling after facelift surgery include:

• Keep your head elevated
• Sleep with your head elevated
• Use cold compresses
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid excess sodium
• Do not become overheated
• Do not bend over/invert your head

How long will facelift swelling last?

When patients follow the guidelines above, they can expect the majority of their swelling to resolve after just a few weeks, though this will also depend on the type of facelift performed, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. On average, patients typically feel ready to return to work after about two weeks, while more strenuous physical activities (including exercise) should be paused for about 4 – 6 weeks – or until cleared by Dr. Khorsandi.

Am I a candidate for facelift surgery?

If you’re like most people, you may be thinking that facelift surgery is reserved for much older patients. In reality, patients of virtually all ages can benefit from a facelift. In fact, more and more patients are turning to facelift surgery as early as their 30s to get ahead of the aging process and avoid the artificial look that may result from alternative treatments. During your initial consultation for facelift surgery in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Khorsandi will evaluate your concerns, assess your overall health, discuss your ideal outcome, and determine if you may be a good candidate for facial rejuvenation surgery.

Reveal a new and improved you with facelift surgery in Las Vegas, NV

Patients who choose a highly qualified and experienced facelift surgeon and follow their recovery instructions closely can set themselves up for a successful procedure, optimal healing, and ideal results. To learn more about your options for facelift surgery in Las Vegas, call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today.