Facelift surgery is one of the most transformative procedures available for restoring a youthful appearance. Many patients, however, are just as curious about recovery as they are about the procedure itself. At Elevate Plastic Surgery in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Paymon Rahgozar, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, ensures that every step of your journey, including healing, is safe, supportive, and designed to maximize your results. Here’s what you can expect during your facelift recovery so you feel confident, prepared, and at ease.
The First Few Days After Surgery
Immediately following your facelift, you’ll spend a few hours in recovery as the anesthesia wears off. Dr. Rahgozar will apply bandages and provide detailed instructions before you return home with a trusted friend or family member. During the first 48 hours, swelling and mild discomfort are normal, but prescribed medication will help keep you comfortable. Rest is essential, and keeping your head elevated will minimize swelling. Having someone available to help with meals, medications, and basic tasks is also recommended. This initial stage is critical for ensuring your recovery progresses smoothly.
Weeks 1–2: Rest and Care for Best Results
In the first two weeks, you should notice gradual improvements in bruising and swelling. You’ll also return for follow-up visits so Dr. Rahgozar can monitor your healing and confirm that everything is progressing as planned. Many patients are able to return to light, non-strenuous work after about two weeks.
Helpful recovery tips during this stage include:
- Sleep with your head propped up on pillows to reduce swelling
- Take light walks around your home to encourage circulation
- Stay well-hydrated and focus on nutrient-rich foods for optimal healing
- Follow all wound-care instructions carefully
By the end of this stage, many patients begin to appreciate their natural, refreshed results.
Weeks 3–6: Returning to Routine
From the third through sixth weeks of recovery, swelling continues to decrease, and you’ll feel more comfortable resuming your usual daily activities. Most patients can safely begin applying makeup, once cleared by Dr. Rahgozar, to conceal any residual bruising. Confidence usually increases as you return to social activities.
During this stage, you can generally:
- Resume light daily activities and social outings
- Apply makeup to cover residual bruising once approved
- Notice steady improvements in swelling and comfort
You should continue to avoid:
- Heavy lifting
- High-impact exercise
- Any activity that strains your healing tissues
By this point, most patients feel comfortable rejoining their normal routines and start to fully appreciate their rejuvenated look.
Long-Term Healing and Lasting Results
Although most recovery milestones are reached by the six-week mark, full healing continues over the next few months. Incision lines gradually fade, facial tissues settle into position, and your final results become more defined. The results of a facelift performed by Dr. Rahgozar often last around 10 years, with several factors influencing longevity:
- Age at the time of surgery
- Natural skin quality and elasticity
- Sun exposure and overall skincare routine
- Lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and smoking
To help maintain your refreshed look, Dr. Rahgozar may recommend professional skincare treatments or non-surgical enhancements such as injectables or BOTOX.
Begin Your Facelift Journey Today
If you’re considering a facelift, understanding the recovery process is just as important as knowing the surgical details. With Dr. Rahgozar’s triple board-certified expertise and the dedicated team at Elevate Plastic Surgery in Thousand Oaks, you’ll be guided every step of the way toward natural, lasting rejuvenation. Schedule your private consultation today to begin your journey with confidence, knowing you’ll be supported throughout recovery and beyond.
