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Not all facelifts heal the same way, because they are not all performed the same way.
At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May’s preferred technique is the high SMAS deep plane composite facelift, which lifts the deep facial structures as a single unit instead of just pulling the skin tight. However, he also offers a wide range of other techniques that he can choose in specific situations to address the unique circumstances of his patients.
Because of this, your recovery will be unique to you and your situation. However, there are recovery similarities that apply to most facelift procedures. With every patient, Dr. May works hard to make the recovery as easy as possible with results that you'll love.
Preparing for Your Facelift Recovery: Before Surgery
The pre-surgery timeframe is when your recovery will actually start. There are a few steps you can take in the weeks before your surgery to make everything easier once you are at home and healing.
Dr. May often has his patients temporarily pause certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bruising. You might already be familiar with some of these, like blood-thinning medications, but other products can worsen bruising, too, including fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric and St. John’s wort.
If your surgery involves prescribed pain medications or antibiotics, he also recommends picking these up before your surgery, rather than after, when you should be focusing on rest.
Make sure your recovery space at home is cozy and well-stocked. You will need an elevated place to rest, such as a recliner or a couch with plenty of pillows, and keep everything else within reach and up a little higher so you don’t have to bend to get it.
Dr. May has all of his facelift patients stay overnight at the surgery center to ensure a smooth start to your recovery. Overnight nurses are there to keep you comfortable, monitor your healing and make sure medications are taken on time. The next morning, Dr. May personally checks in to see how you’re doing and confirm that you’re ready to head home.
Before surgery, you’ll also want to make arrangements for the first couple of days. You will need someone to drive you home from the surgery center and help around the house, and you should plan to take a short break from work (one to two weeks).
Week One of Facelift Recovery
Days One Through Three
Swelling and bruising are usually the worst within the first 72 hours. Your face may look different from what you were expecting, but this is normal during your initial recovery. Pain levels are different for everyone, but should be manageable with your prescribed medications. Let Dr. May know if discomfort is more severe or if it increases instead of decreasing. Keep your head elevated, even while you sleep, and apply cold compresses as directed. You can walk a little to keep your blood flowing, but otherwise, focus on rest.
Days Four Through Seven
Halfway through your first recovery week, you may start to notice a downward trend in your swelling, and your incisions should be closing up nicely. During this week, facial bruises might turn from dark to yellow, which is a sign of healing. You should have less discomfort by the end of the week, and most patients have their first follow-up visit with Dr. May, where he will check on your incisions and swelling, as well as take out your sutures.
How Dr. May’s Team Supports You During the First Week
At a boutique practice like May Plastic Surgery, you will receive much more support. You will have personalized aftercare guidance that takes your particular surgery and circumstances into consideration, plus access to your surgeon whenever you need to ask a question or voice a concern. Dr. May works hard to develop a relationship with each patient and will know your case inside and out. Working with a surgeon who gives his patients this level of attention makes the first week far less stressful.
Week Two of Facelift Recovery
During the second week of recovery, you'll start to feel more like yourself, and you may begin to see some of your first results. If Dr. May elected to leave any sutures in place after your first post-operative appointment, these will then be removed during this week, and bruising will either have faded or can be covered with makeup. Patients with desk jobs are usually able to go back to work during this time, while those with more physical or strenuous jobs should continue resting until Dr. May gives the “okay” to return.
Weeks Three and Four of Facelift Recovery
You may still have some residual swelling that can mask the full results of your facelift. This is normal at this stage, and it is important to have patience as your body heals and clears the extra fluid. It is also common for some areas to still feel numb and tight, but you should not have any increasing pain or areas that are warm or red. Heavy lifting and high-intensity workouts should still be avoided during this time, and make sure to avoid direct sun exposure on your incisions to minimize visible scarring.
Months Two and Beyond
By six to eight weeks, you should be feeling normal again and be able to resume all of your usual activities, with your surgeon’s clearance. You will also be able to enjoy the results of your facelift at this time, with more defined midface contours and a more youthful aspect that still looks like you. Patients are sometimes surprised to learn that there can still be a little residual swelling as much as six to 12 months after surgery, so you may notice small refinements as tissues settle into their final position.
Your facelift results can last for many years, though your skin and facial structures will still age naturally. Dr. May also has treatments that can be helpful alongside your facelift to encourage continued collagen production and to revitalize the surface of the skin. These include microneedling, chemical peels, laser resurfacing and a personalized medical-grade skincare routine.
A Few Tips for Your Facelift Recovery
- Eat Protein-Rich, Low-Sodium Meals: Your body needs all of the fuel it can get to rebuild tissue, but excess salt can increase puffiness and swelling. Prep meals before surgery, and choose healthy foods with plenty of nutrients and fiber.
- Skip the Internet Spiral: Comparing your day-five face to someone’s three-month result online will give you unnecessary anxiety. Every face heals on its own timeline.
- Protect Incisions From the Sun: UV exposure can permanently darken healing scars. A wide-brimmed hat and daily SPF are non-negotiable after facial surgery.
- Follow Your Surgeon’s Plan: A good predictor of a smooth recovery is sticking to your post-operative instructions and showing up for every follow-up appointment.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Charlotte, NC
There is a reason facelifts are Dr. May’s favorite surgery to perform. This surgery involves a high level of nuance and artistry that Dr. May thrives on, and the results are soft and natural-looking. The best way to understand what your recovery will look like is to have an honest conversation with your surgeon. Call May Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, at 704-200-2493 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Brian May.
