Understanding the recovery process after any surgical procedure is crucial for ensuring optimal results and a quicker recovery.
If you are dealing with facelift recovery in Annapolis, you have come to the right place. Our experts at Murthy Facial Plastic Surgery can guide you through what to expect during the period after your facelift surgery.
What a Facelift Does
Also known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift creates a younger and rejuvenated appearance by reducing sagging skin, minimizing excess skin, treating skin folds, and smoothing skin across your cheeks and jawline. Our expert team in Annapolis can guide you through the facelift recovery process.
During the procedure, the facial SMAS and overlying skin are repositioned and redraped to positions that reverse the effects of gravity and aging.
A facelift does not treat sun damage, fine wrinkles, creases around the nose or upper lip, or uneven skin color. However, our team can recommend an alternate procedure to address these concerns.
What Happens During the Procedure
During a facelift, our double-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Namita Murthy, will sculpt and reposition the facial and neck SMAS. The overlying skin is then redraped over the newly adjusted contours of your face. Once excess skin is removed, stitches oare used to close the skin.
Dr. Murthy will determine the best incision technique for your needs. A traditional lift starts behind your hairline, continues in front of your ears, and ends behind your ears. A limited incision, the shorter option, begins in your hairline above your ear and wraps around the front of your ear without continuing into the lower scalp.
A facelift is usually completed within three to six hours. Our team at Murthy Facial Plastic Surgery in Annapolis will explain what to expect during your facelift recovery consultation.
What To Expect As You Recover
After your facelift procedure in Annapolis, you can expect to spend around two weeks recovering before returning to your full routine. This timeline can vary based on many factors, such as your age, health status, and the type of facelift you received. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s postoperative care instructions to keep the surgical area clean and minimize the risk of infections.
The first several hours after surgery should be organized around rest. Maintaining a low-stress environment will allow your body to focus on recovery.
In the first several days after surgery, you will meet with your doctor to monitor swelling and the healing process to ensure everything is progressing well. Most people do not require narcotic pain medication and can manage their minimal discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.
During the first and second week of recovery, you can expect to have your sutures removed. It is also during this time that most patients begin to fully see the improvements from their facelift. This is the period in which you may return to much of your daily routine, such as exercising and engaging in social activities, without drawing much attention to your recent procedure.
Steps To Take As You Recover
One of the most important aspects of your recovery is communication. If you feel something is not right, or if there is more discomfort than expected, you can reach out to Dr. Murthy directly via our HIPAA compliant patient app. Follow Dr. Murthy’s advice to ensure you have the best possible outcome from your facelift as you recover and get back to your routine in Annapolis.
Schedule Your Facelift Recovery Consultation in Annapolis Today
The facelift recovery process is different for everyone, but you do not have to wonder what it might look like for you. Contact Murthy Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and learn more about facelift recovery in Annapolis.