A facelift, designed to remove excess skin and tighten the face, can be an extensive surgical procedure. As a normal part of healing, facelift bruising and swelling will be expected during your recovery.
While these are natural parts of the healing process that will require some time to subside, knowing how to manage them can make recovery feel simpler. In this blog, we’ll explain what you can expect during your recovery and give you some tips to help swelling and bruising subside.
During your consultation, Dr Hunt will tailor facelift recovery instructions to your needs. Please feel free to contact our team to book your consultation in Sydney.
Why bruising and swelling occur after a facelift
Once your facelift surgery is complete, it’s normal to notice swelling and bruising. These are your body’s natural responses to the procedure and indicate that the healing process is in its early stages.
Swelling occurs as your body sends extra blood flow and fluids to the area to help repair the tissues, while bruising happens when tiny blood vessels are disrupted during surgery. Both swelling and bruising will subside throughout the weeks to months after your surgery and can subside a little faster if you follow the recovery instructions provided by Dr Hunt.
Healing after any surgery takes time, and everyone’s timeline is different. While it might take weeks for the swelling to subside fully and months for your results to settle, following your recovery instructions can help you heal sooner.
Recovery steps that can reduce facelift bruising and swelling
Dr Hunt will provide facelift recovery instructions, which may include the following tips.
- Rest and keep your head elevated.
The first step you can take to reduce facelift bruising and swelling, especially swelling, is to rest and keep your head elevated. Your body will need time and extra energy for sufficient healing.
Keeping your head elevated, including while sleeping, helps reduce swelling. When keeping your head elevated, gravity helps by encouraging fluids to drain away from the surgical site, rather than accumulating in the area and causing more puffiness. Using extra pillows while you sleep and rest, or resting on a recliner, can help.
- Reduce exercise levels to light walking only.
While resting is essential, staying completely immobile isn’t ideal either. Light, gentle movement can improve your circulation, which can help reduce swelling. The key is to avoid anything strenuous, giving your body just enough stimulation to support healing without putting your body under any additional strain.
- Take or stop taking medication according to instructions.
Dr Hunt may prescribe medications to help manage facelift bruising and swelling. Make sure that you take these according to instructions. At the same time, some supplements or medications can interfere with healing or increase the risk of complications, and you may need to stop taking these during recovery.
- Use cold compress gently and in moderation.
Applying a cold compress gently to the areas around your face (but not directly on the incisions) can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. However, moderation is key. You should only use ice packs in short intervals, typically 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and give your skin breaks in between. Too much cold can actually irritate the skin or slow the healing process.
- Wear your compression garment or bandage if required.
If Dr Hunt instructs you to wear a compression garment or bandage, wearing it as directed can make a noticeable difference in controlling swelling. These garments are designed to apply gentle, evenly-distributed pressure to the surgical area, helping reduce fluid buildup and providing support as your tissues heal.
- Avoid excessive heat and sun exposure.
Hot showers, saunas, or even blow-drying your hair on a high heat setting can increase blood flow to the face and worsen swelling. It’s best to avoid heat exposure for the duration outlined in your recovery instructions.
Similarly, sun exposure can irritate your healing skin and darken any bruising. Before you go outside, wear a hat and use a high SPF sunscreen once Dr Hunt recommends applying it. Your incisions will need to fully heal before you apply sunscreen to the area.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
What you eat during recovery can influence how quickly your body heals. A balanced and nourishing diet can help repair tissues and reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated is equally important, as water helps flush out excess fluids.
It’s also a good idea to avoid foods high in salt, as they can cause water retention and worsen swelling. Keeping your meals simple and wholesome can go a long way in supporting your recovery.
What to do if swelling and bruising doesn’t begin to subside
While it’s normal to experience swelling and bruising after a facelift, it’s important to seek advice if anything starts to feel off. For example, if you notice sudden or severe swelling, unusual redness, or irritation at your incision sites, it could mean that an infection or another complication has occurred. Addressing any concerns immediately can ensure that your recovery stays on track. You can contact our team should you have any concerns during your facelift recovery.
Book your facelift consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney
With over 20 years of experience and having treated thousands of patients, Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in performing facelifts.
It’s always important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon for your facelift surgery, as they are skilled in applying the techniques that will help to achieve the results you want.
At your consultation, Dr Hunt can plan your facelift surgery and provide you with tailored recovery instructions to follow. You’ll be able to discuss all of the details of your procedure and what you can expect during your recovery, including how long you can expect your initial recovery to take.
Please contact our team to arrange your facelift consultation at our Sydney location. You are also welcome to contact us with any questions you may have about the facelift procedure.
