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| Facelift: Recovery |
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Following surgery, one or more small thin tubes, called drains may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect. Your entire face and neck may also be bandaged to minimize bruising and swelling. Your doctor will probably advise you to keep your head elevated for several days after surgery to keep the swelling down. The drainage tube will be removed 1 - 2 days after surgery and bandages are usually removed within 1 - 5 days. Most stitches can be removed after 5 days, but your scalp will take longer to heal completely. Complete scar maturation can take up to one year, with most of the improvement occurring in the first two months.
You should plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. As soon as the bandage is removed, you can shower and gently shampoo your hair. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. You may be tired and even somewhat discouraged with your post-operative appearance, but your energy level will increase as you begin to look and feel better. Most patients are back to work within 2 - 3 weeks. Vigorous activity should be limited for 3 - 4 weeks and major social engagements might be avoided for 4 - 8 weeks until you look and feel your best.
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