Whether you’re looking to shave off some years or are curious to explore a new beauty procedure, you’ll probably come across the facelift at one point or another. However, before going through with the procedure, it’s important to understand the process, both before and after. Here are some key tips from beauty experts that can help you set the right expectations.
There’s Always Room for Unplanned Complications
When it comes to any type of surgery, there’s always the possibility of something going wrong. For example, if you have hyaluronic fillers somewhere on your face, they may have to be removed during the facelift because they can form bulges after the skin and muscles are lifted. Being honest with your surgeon about your current condition and the procedures you’ve gone through is key to preventing surprises.
It’s Okay to Feel Regret
Even if you don’t experience a lot of pain after the facelift, you may deal with some emotional anxiety. This could be a result of the recovery process when you don’t quite look like yourself. Don’t worry, as it’s perfectly normal to experience doubt and uncertainty. The result of the facelift won’t be apparent for months, and you may find yourself wondering if you’ve made the right choice. That’s why it’s really important to go through each step with your doctor before the procedure, so you know what to expect and when.
There Will Be Swelling After the Facelift
Although you may be prepared for the swelling, you may not know that it won’t appear and resolve in a linear way. Since wound healing goes through four phases, you’ll likely experience the most swelling during the third, proliferation, phase. The first two, hemostasis and inflammation, are generally quiet, but don’t let that fool you. The road to recovery after a facelift is not a straight line.
The Skin Will Feel Weird for a While
After surgery, your skin will feel really strange for a while, and that’s okay. You may be so tender that you don’t want to even splash water on your face, and you can also get itchy or spongy skin, but these are all normal signs of healing. Doctors even say that these odd facial sensations are a good sign that the nerves are growing back and you’re making a healthy recovery.
Eating and Sleeping Will Be Difficult at First
Much like a trip to the dentist, a facelift will require you to change your eating habits for a while. Prepare yourself for a few weeks of eating only soft foods to limit the use of your lower facial muscles. Similarly, your sleeping routine will have to adapt. You may feel different pulls and inconveniences, but they’ll resolve in time. What matters is to keep track of all changes and report them to your doctor to ensure your post-facelift recovery is going smoothly.