How long will it be before I feel like “myself” again after a facelift? That’s a question my Albany plastic surgery patients often ask when they visit me for a consultation. There are two phases of facelift recovery: the physical and the social. Even when you’re back on your feet and bruises have healed, you may still need a bit more time before you’re feeling your most confident again.
Curious about your realistic timeline for stepping out again after a facelift? Read on to learn more.
Physical Recovery
The physical aspect of facelift recovery involves getting plenty of rest, taking a break from exercise, and allowing your incision sites to heal beautifully after surgery.
When Can I Go Back to Work After a Facelift?
Most people feel comfortable returning to desk work and non-strenuous daily activities within about 2 weeks. Note that you will have some swelling and bruising during this time, and you will have sutures in place for a week before coming back in to have them removed.
Remote work has made recovering discreetly more convenient than ever. You may be able to return to work a bit sooner if you do not need to commute to an office or have much face time with coworkers or clients.
When Can I Go Back to the Gym After a Facelift?
I recommend my patients wait until I give them clearance before resuming any intense physical activity. This typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, though it varies from person to person. As you begin to heal, walking is a great way to improve circulation and stay active without overexerting yourself.
Social Recovery
Although you may feel like your normal self again once you’ve healed, you may not quite be ready to step out on the town. Social recovery is the time it takes for your results to fully take shape and for you to look your absolute best.
When Will I Be Ready to Socialize After a Facelift?
Most of your swelling and bruising will resolve after a couple of weeks, but you may have some residual swelling for few weeks beyond that. Your incisions may also look a bit pink and raised for the first few weeks before they flatten and fade into barely visible lines.
How Far in Advance Should I Plan My Facelift Before a Big Event?
If you have a class reunion, wedding, or big vacation in your future, I recommend scheduling your facelift at least 3 months before then. Keep in mind facelift results last for as long as a decade, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy your new look once you heal.
If you do not have the time to undergo surgery and recover before your big day, you can still enhance your look with nonsurgical treatments, such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers. These require little to no recovery time and offer results within about a week. At Rockmore Plastic Surgery, you’ll be in the hands of a truly unmatched injector team—get to know them in this blog post.
Your Next Steps
Looking to learn more about facial rejuvenation? Please contact me online or call (518) 328-3330. My Latham plastic surgery practice welcomes people from Albany County and throughout New York.
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