Facelift recovery begins a few weeks before surgery
Patients who are well prepared before and after surgery have an easier and faster recovery. After performing thousands of facial procedures, Dr. Aminpour has distilled a list of instructions that contribute greatly to fast healing, free of complications.
Medications and other vitamins
Prior to your facelift procedure, you will be given instructions on certain medications, herbal remedies and vitamins to avoid. You will be advised to quit smoking for two weeks or more both before and after surgery. This is crucial as nicotine can create serious complications in healing which can require revision surgery.
Alcohol consumption
Additionally, you will be asked to avoid alcohol for a few days prior to surgery and while you are on any opiate based pain medication following your surgery.
Actions to take care of before your surgery
Make sure to take care of any activities such as grocery shopping, paying bills, laundry and home maintenance before your surgery. This will allow you to rest during the first two weeks, which will contribute to faster healing. Tasks requiring bending down should be avoided so if you have small children, it is very helpful to have someone present to handle them during the first week, at least.
Have your prescriptions filled before your surgery. and purchase cool gel pack type compresses as well as any other supplies, as suggested by Dr. Aminpour’s patient coordinator. You will find that having your supplies close to hand will be very useful during the first week.
Instructions for facelift recovery
Dr. Aminpour will go over the surgical procedure and what to expect during your recovery. There is a lot to remember and what follows is a summary of all the things you will have discussed both with Dr. Aminpour and his surgical staff.
Remember you will be given full post operative instructions before you return home to recover, and the office is always available should you have any questions that aren’t covered in the written instructions. We are with you all the way through the recovery process.
Immediately following surgery
When you wake up from surgery, you may have two small drains just behind your ears, which will allow excess fluid to drain. This is necessary to avoid excessive swelling and bruising. You will empty the drains as needed and once they are not producing much fluid Dr. Aminpour will remove them.
You will also have a compression gauze bandage wrapped around your chin and head, which will help to decrease swelling and assist with internal healing. Leave the dressings in place until your first post operative visit, which usually is scheduled for the following day.
Before & Afters
Within these galleries, you will find many examples of how Dr. Aminpour routinely delivers among the highest standards of facial plastic and reconstructive care.
View MoreThe first 7 days
During the first 24 hours you will need someone with you to assist with meals, give you medications on time, deal with children and pets etc. It is very important that you rest during the first few days. You will feel stiff in the neck and face so avoid moving your head or talking. The keyword is rest. Driving should be completely avoided until you can comfortably turn your head and you are fully off any prescribed pain medication.
Pain management
Pain is usually well controlled by using the prescribed pain medication as instructed. Many patients transition to an over-the-counter pain medication, within 3 days. Remember to avoid the class of medication known as NSAID – Advil, Aspirin etc. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding which will hinder recovery.
Day after check-up
Dr. Aminpour will see you the day following surgery and will assess the incisions, remove the original compression bandage and replace it with one that can be removed for bathing and washing your hair.
Sleeping positions
You will need to sleep semi reclined to avoid excessive swelling. If you have a recliner, this is a good way to sleep. If not, arranging several pillows under your upper back and head will help you sleep at an angle. You can use a travel pillow to help avoid rolling over on your side.
Swelling
During the first 4 days, the swelling will continue to increase and then begin to subside. It is common for one side of the face to be more swollen than the other. This will resolve over the next week to 10 days. Using cold packs on your face regularly will greatly help with swelling. It is advisable to use them for 15 minutes every hour you are awake for the first 24 hours, and then 15 minutes every few hours for the next week. Don’t be alarmed if your face tingles or feels numb. This is normal and will resolve over the next few weeks or months.
Bathing and hygiene
Bathing and washing your hair can be done after 48 hours as instructed.
Walking and exercise
It is advisable to walk around the house to keep the circulation active. Other forms of exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks.
Getting you back to your normal life
After the first 2 weeks you will notice the swelling has greatly diminished, making it possible to return to work and casual social activities. If any bruising is still evident, makeup can be used. For a big event such as a wedding, allow at least 4 weeks to be completely ready to show off your refreshed appearance.
One way of transitioning back to normal activities without having to answer awkward questions is to change your hairstyle just before your procedure or perhaps change the color. Dr. Aminpour has earned the reputation of providing among the best facelift Los Angeles can provide. You will look relaxed and refreshed to your friends and family and having a new look via a hairstyle seems to provide the overly curious with the explanation they are seeking.
Full results
Facelift recovery will require approximately 6 months to see the final results but the vast majority of patients enjoy 90% of the benefit of their procedure within 3 months. The remaining improvement is usually so slight that only you and Dr. Aminpour will notice.
Facelift recovery is far easier today than in years gone by. Gone are the days of bruised and swollen faces that look stretched and unnatural for months. Dr. Aminpour is acknowledged as among the top plastic surgeons in Los Angeles and his skill as a surgeon ensures facial tissues and muscles are not damaged or overly handled during the procedure. This ensures bruising and swelling are kept to a minimum, thus producing beautiful, natural results.
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