As with any surgery, your deep plane facelift recovery process will play an important role in the results that will be achieved. A deep plane facelift is generally more extensive than a traditional facelift, deeply addressing the tissues of the face at the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer.
In this blog, let’s go over what you can expect during deep plane facelift recovery and how you can support your body’s healing.
During a consultation in Sydney, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt can provide recovery instructions and discuss what your recovery period may look like, so we recommend arranging a consultation if you’re considering the procedure.
What to expect during your deep plane facelift recovery
Since a deep plane facelift uses more extensive techniques than traditional facelifts, the recovery period can be slightly more involved. However, recovery always varies from patient to patient due to a number of factors.
Straight after your procedure, you’ll typically need to stay in the hospital overnight so that you can be monitored. The day after your procedure, dressings that were placed in the area will typically be removed, before being replaced with a specialised bandage.
Early in your recovery, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness in the face and neck. These experiences should begin to subside during the first week. You will be prescribed some pain medication to help manage these symptoms and support your comfort.
It’s also normal to experience some numbness or tingling in the face, as the affected facial nerves adjust and heal. These sensations should gradually subside over the weeks of your recovery.
The first week after your deep plane facelift is all about rest and gentle care. You’ll normally be advised to reduce your activity levels to light walking only, avoiding heavy housework, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. You will need to gently care for the area, following wound care instructions to keep the incisions clean.
By weeks four to six, you can normally begin to resume your normal activities as long as you are cleared by your surgeon. More strenuous activities may still need to be avoided for longer. By around this time, you should notice a significant reduction in swelling and bruising, but some may still persist.
It’s normal for swelling to persist for longer, especially in the deeper tissues. Residual swelling can mean that results can take a few months to fully show, but it can vary from patient to patient. Even though results are generally immediately noticeable after such an extensive procedure, the facial tissues, skin, and muscles will need some time to settle completely and for your final results to be revealed.
While healing can naturally vary for each patient, how well the area heals after a deep plane facelift can also depend on how well you follow your recovery instructions.
Your personalised recovery instructions
The recovery instructions that your surgeon will provide will be a helpful guide to navigating your deep plane facelift recovery.
Your recovery instructions will be implemented to help you manage discomfort, reduce swelling, prevent complications, and make the recovery process more efficient.
Each of your instructions will be personalised to meet your needs, but we can give you a general idea of what to expect here.
- Follow instructions for your medications.
To manage discomfort, you should take prescribed pain medication according to your surgeon’s instructions. You may also be prescribed other medications, such as antibiotics, to help prevent infection or other complications. Make sure that you also follow instructions closely when taking these.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and manage discomfort.
You can frequently apply cold compresses to help reduce swelling and simultaneously soothe discomfort. However, it’s important to do this carefully and not for too long each time. We recommend wrapping the cold compress in a clean cloth before applying it to your face and taking regular breaks to ensure that you don’t overcool your skin and cause any irritation.
- Follow wound care instructions carefully.
To keep your incision sites clean and well-cared for, you’ll need to carefully follow some wound care instructions. These can include changing bandages, keeping the area dry and gently cleaning the area. You’ll also normally need to avoid excessive heat exposure, and submerging the incision sites in water early in your recovery.
- Avoid frequently touching or rubbing the surgical site.
As well as caring for your incisions, you should also avoid excessively touching or massaging the area, as this can irritate healing tissues. Irritating the incision sites can increase the risk of experiencing complications like infection, prolonged wound healing or noticeable scarring.
- Keep your head elevated to reduce facial swelling.
After the surgery, it’s wise to keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping. Keeping your head elevated can significantly reduce swelling. You can sleep on an extra pillow or on a recliner to help you keep your head elevated throughout the night.
- Protect your skin from UV ray exposure.
Your skin will be more sensitive after surgery, so it’s important to protect it from the sun. Once the incision sites have fully healed, you should apply sunscreen daily and wear a hat if you’ll be outside for extended periods.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Smoking can impair blood flow and slow healing, while alcohol can increase swelling and interfere with medications. It will be really important to avoid both smoking and drinking alcohol during your recovery period. Typically, you’ll also be instructed to quit smoking before your surgery.
- Stay hydrated and take care of your general health.
Drinking plenty of water supports your body’s healing and can also help reduce swelling. While you’re ensuring that you’re drinking enough water, it is also a good idea to avoid excessive salt intake, as it can contribute to fluid retention.
- Attend your check-up appointments with your surgeon.
After any surgical procedure, follow-up appointments help to ensure that your healing progress is on track and allow you and your surgeon to address any questions or concerns. Make sure that you don’t miss any important appointments after your deep plane facelift.
- Contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.
Throughout your recovery, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your surgeon if you have any questions about your instructions or concerns about your healing process. If you are experiencing significant pain, bleeding, or any signs of infection, you should contact your surgeon immediately. If a complication has occurred, it will be essentially treated as soon as possible.
Discuss your deep plane facelift recovery with Dr Hunt in Sydney
For personalised recovery advice and tailored instructions, you’ll need to meet with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a highly experienced and qualified surgeon, having treated thousands of patients over 20+ years.
If you’re considering undergoing a deep plane facelift and would like to learn more, contact our team to ask any questions or to book your consultation.
