What Is The Best Way To Sleep After Facelift Surgery?

When you’re looking forward to an upcoming cosmetic procedure, the last thing you probably want to think about is recovery. However, it is critical that you know what to expect during the postoperative period and prepare accordingly in order to promote proper healing and a gorgeous outcome. Like many procedures, facelift surgery often requires patients to temporarily adjust their sleeping position to minimize the risk of compromising the results or developing a postoperative complication. Award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the professional team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV provide exceptional care and skilled expertise before, during, and after every procedure to maximize the potential for a successful procedure, comfortable recovery, and beautiful result. Learn more about sleeping after a facelift here, including what the best sleeping position is and when you may be able to return to your normal sleeping habits.

What does a facelift do?

Facelift surgery is a complex and intricate procedure designed to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the facial structures for a more youthful look. Dr. Khorsandi has extensive experience in the most advanced and cutting-edge facelift techniques available in Las Vegas, including:

• Traditional facelift
• Mid-facelift
• Lower facelift
• Mini facelift
• Brow lift
• Neck lift

Depending on your specific concerns and personal goals, Dr. Khorsandi will recommend the most appropriate procedure for you. Some of the most common age-related concerns that can be addressed or corrected with facelift surgery include:

• Wrinkles and lines
• Facial folds
• Sagging skin
• Drooping jowls
• Sagging brow
• Droopy eyes
• Loose, excess skin
• Downturned mouth
• Hollow cheeks
• Tired or angry appearance
• Loose neck skin

How is facelift performed?

The details of your facelift surgery will vary depending on which type of facelift is performed, the surgeon’s preferred approach, and other factors. Generally speaking, a traditional facelift (full facelift) involves incisions just beyond the hairline, which run the temples, around the ear, and behind the ear. By making these incisions, Dr. Khorsandi is able to access and manipulate the various layers of muscle and tissue underneath the skin. Finally, the excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is draped over the newly enhanced facial contour. While patients do enjoy a perceived skin-tightening effect, Dr. Khorsandi takes great care to focus on tightening and repositioning the muscles, fat, and other tissues in order to avoid an overly tight, plastic, or artificial-looking result.

How long is facelift recovery?

In terms of appreciating the final results, facelift recovery typically takes several weeks or months. However, most patients are able to return to work after about 7 – 10 days.

Some amount of bruising, discomfort, and swelling are normal and expected during the first several days, but these symptoms can be relieved with medications and other remedies and usually subside significantly within the first 1 – 2 weeks. Strenuous physical activity and other activities should still be restricted for the next several weeks until the patient receives clearance from his or her surgeon. While the majority of postoperative facelift swelling should resolve after about 4 – 6 weeks, the final results of your facelift can take up to six months or longer to fully develop as the tissues continue to heal and settle.

How to sleep after facelift surgery

Following facelift surgery, patients should sleep on their back with their head slightly elevated using pillows. Not only does this sleeping position help to reduce swelling and promote proper healing, but it also reduces the risk of postoperative complication, such as inadvertently pulling out stitches. This may sound uncomfortable for those who normally prefer stomach or side-sleeping, but most patients find that back-sleeping is naturally the most comfortable option after facelift surgery. For patients who are worried about rolling over in their sleep, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend using additional pillows or rolled-up towels on either side to prevent shifting positions during the night.

When can I sleep on my side after a facelift?

It is crucial that patients attend all of their facelift follow-up appointments. During these visits, Dr. Khorsandi will evaluate your healing progress and make ongoing recommendations regarding your recovery, including clearing you to sleep in your preferred position. This timeline can vary from person to person, but most patients are able to return to side-sleeping about 2 – 4 weeks after facelift surgery.

Sleeping on your back after facelift surgery in Las Vegas is a small price to pay for a sexy, stunning, youthful new look!

While it may seem impossible to change your sleeping position, the overwhelming majority of patients tolerate temporary back-sleeping after facelift surgery exceptionally well. If you are excited about the possibility of turning back the clock and restoring a more youthful, beautiful, fresh face, we invite you to call the friendly team at VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation or virtual appointment with internationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today. We look forward to helping you reach your ultimate cosmetic goals with advanced facelift surgery in Las Vegas, NV!