What Is a Facelift Really Like From Prep to Recovery?

Considering a facelift? Facelift surgery can effectively reverse signs of aging and provide a refreshed, youthful appearance. If you’re curious about what a facelift entails, look no further. At NuBody Concepts, we have successfully guided many patients through the facelift process, from preparation to recovery, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our Nashville and Memphis office team is ready to help!

Preparing for a Facelift

How to Prepare for a Facelift: Setting the Stage for Success

Preparing for facelift surgery is the first step in ensuring a smooth procedure and a comfortable recovery. One key element is ensuring you have all the necessary items on hand before your surgery day arrives. We recommend starting with a simple yet effective three-piece wedge pillow set. This will help keep your head elevated during the first few days post-op, which is vital for reducing swelling.

Additionally, you’ll want to have skincare products ready, such as Alastin Skin Nectar and Alastin Reform and Repair Complex, which can be used from day two onward to promote healing. These products are specially formulated to enhance your facelift recovery, minimize bruising, and speed up your return to normal.

Plan a light dinner the night before your surgery, and avoid eating after midnight. This helps prepare your body for the anesthesia. On the day of the procedure, choose your clothing wisely—opt for a gown or button-down shirt that won’t need to be pulled over your head. For women, pulling your hair up and wearing a headband ensures your hair stays out of the way during surgery.

The Day of Surgery: What to Expect

On the day of your facelift surgery, you’ll arrive at our state-of-the-art clinic, where our experienced team will guide you through the process. After changing into your gown, you’ll meet with your board-certified plastic surgeon to review the procedure and ask any questions.

Post-surgery, the wrapped compression bandages are designed to support your face and reduce swelling. Many patients are surprised that the pain is minimal—often described as discomfort rather than outright pain. Once our team sees you are ready, we’ll discharge you to go home, where you’ll spend the rest of the day resting.

Remember, you should prepare soft, easy-to-eat foods for your first few days post-op, such as scrambled eggs, soups, and smoothies. Since you won’t have eaten since the night before surgery, it’s important to have something light but nourishing ready when you return home.

The First Week of Facelift Recovery: Managing Discomfort and Swelling

The first week following facelift surgery is crucial for ensuring the best possible facelift results. On day one, you’ll likely experience some discomfort and swelling. It’s important to remember that this is a normal part of the recovery process. Compression bandages are replaced with a medical compression facial garment, and we recommend that for the first three days, you wear this 24/7. Then, you can use it at night for two weeks.

During this time, using cold compresses intermittently can help reduce swelling. Post-op eating is challenging for some individuals due to the swelling and soreness, so continue sticking to soft foods. The second and third days are often the most uncomfortable due to peak swelling, but you will feel more like yourself as the swelling goes down.

Pain should remain manageable with the prescribed medication, though many of our patients find they only need minimal pain relief. By day four, you might feel ready to return to work, but it’s okay to take an extra day off if you’re not quite there yet.

Week Two and Beyond: How Long Does It Take to Recover From Facelift Surgery?

As you progress into the second week of your facelift recovery, you’ll likely notice a reduction in swelling and the initial signs of your facelift results. Many patients can resume their regular daily activities at this stage. However, you’ll want to continue avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.

On the seventh day, you’ll return to our clinic to have the sutures in front of your ears and under your chin removed. This step is often a turning point in the recovery process, as you’ll begin to feel more comfortable and experience a significant decrease in swelling.

By the eighth day, you’ll notice continual improvements. While swelling and numbness may persist, these symptoms should gradually diminish. You’ll want to continue using your Alastin products as directed to support healing and enhance the overall appearance of your skin.

As you approach the two-week mark, the final sutures will be removed from behind your ears, marking a significant milestone in the recovery process. Although some mild discomfort and swelling may still be present, you’re well on your way to experiencing the full benefits of your facelift.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Facelift Recovery

As you prepare for and recover from your facelift surgery, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Invest in a Wedge Pillow Set: This will help keep your head elevated, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
Choose Button-Up Clothing: Avoid pulling anything over your head to protect your surgical areas.
Stock Up on Soft Foods: Keep plenty of easy-to-chew options on hand, as you may find eating more challenging in the first few days.
Be Careful With Glasses: If you wear glasses, consider contacts or find an alternative, as you’ll want to avoid any pressure on your ears.
Be Gentle With Your Hair: When you can finally wash and style your hair, avoid using heat on the suture areas, and gently brush around these sensitive spots.
Sun Exposure: Avoid it altogether for the first two weeks post-procedure. And be sure to apply sunscreen diligently for up to a year.
Anti-Scar Gel: We provide, free of charge, an anti-scar gel for all our surgical procedures. Regular application will help with the healing process, ensuring that the scar continues to fade before reaching maturity one year post-op.

Why Choose NuBody Concepts for Your Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery is a significant decision, and at NuBody Concepts in Tennessee, we are dedicated to ensuring your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. From the moment you step into our clinic to the final stages of your recovery, our team is committed to providing exceptional care and outstanding facelift results.

When you’re ready to take the next step toward a more youthful appearance, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our Nashville and Memphis office today. Be inspired by our before-and-after photos showcasing the transformative results we’ve achieved for our patients. Trust NuBody Concepts to be your dedicated partner on your journey to rejuvenation.