The primary benefit of massaging the face after a facelift is to expedite the healing process. Massage improves blood circulation, which carries nutrients to the skin and prevents the buildup of toxins. It also reduces scarring by lessening tissue buildup and softening the skin around the scar tissue.
Using wide circular strokes, massage along the sides of your jaw, past the corners of your mouth, next to your nostrils, and over your cheekbones, creating upward lifting. Next, massage large circles upwards into the cheek area to lift and get the circulation going.
Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar. Your skin will be healed when the edges of the scar are well closed with no gaps, and have no drainage.
A lymphatic massage after a facelift helps to ease common side effects: swelling, bruising, and discomfort. It is normal for some areas to feel firm and thickened as you heal from the surgery. While aggressive massage can accelerate inflammation and irritation, a gentle fingertip massage or lymphatic massage will not.
AVOID BENDING OVER OR LIFTING heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and start hemorrhage. AVOID HITTING OR BUMPING YOUR FACE, HEAD AND NECK. It is wise not to pick up small children and you should sleep alone for one week after your operation.
Most people recover in 4 to 6 weeks. But it probably will take 6 months or more to see the final result from the surgery. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace.
Once the swelling wanes, that tightness feeling should dissipate in time. Your skin will also start to slightly stretch as it adapts to the new shape. You can expect the face to feel tight for a few months following the facelift surgery. The tightness can last for about 2 – 3 months.
Additionally, facial massage should only be performed after your wound is closed and has begun to heal. Your hands should be washed immediately prior to performing the massage and stitches must be removed before practicing a Swedish massage.
The formation of tiny lumps that occur along the site of the incision is often reported by many patients. The causes of these bumps are varied and fluid retention, primarily from the lymphatic fluid, can cause these bumps.
When should I start massaging my scars? You should start massaging your scars two weeks after surgery. Wait until the sutures have been removed and all scabs have fallen off by themselves. Do not pull your scabs off.
Microdermabrasion is often used to even the tone and texture of the skin, smooth away various types of scars, and rejuvenate the complexion. Again, you must wait for the all clear from your facial plastic surgeon before pursuing any such treatments, in case your face and skin are not properly healed before you do.
Beginning on day 2 or 3, light walking is recommended to help promote blood flow which speeds healing. Short, easy walks is the only form of exercise that should be undertaken. Many patients start to feel less discomfort over the first few weeks as bruising and swelling subsides.
Why? When the facelift is performed, the skin is tightened and it can flatten out the jowls because the skin is tighter. However, over time as the skin relaxes, the full fatty jowls will restretch out the skin and the jowls will reappear.
Walking is hands down the best form of exercise to do post any kind of surgery including a facelift. Walking in the initial phases of recovery will promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots and promote healing.
At weeks 3 and 4, you may still have some residual swelling (this is normal and will dissipate), but for the most part it is at this point patients often begin to see real improvement in their face. You will look and feel much better three weeks after your facelift.
Starting the day after surgery, use a moisturizing barrier like Aquaphor three times a day for two weeks. Use a silicone-based cream that contains sun-protection, like Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, twice per day for three months.
One of the concerns of most patients after cosmetic surgery is feelings of weakness and fatigue. These are normal and usually go away in a few days or weeks after the surgery. If fatigue persists and you experience other symptoms, inform your plastic surgeon immediately.
It's normal to feel some tightness in the neck area after surgery. This is because the skin has been lifted, and the underlying muscles and tissues have been tightened. The tightness should gradually improve over the first few weeks and months.
Patients do complain of a feeling of fullness in the ears or pain in the ears for the first few days after surgery. This is caused by swelling, and improves fairly quickly. Most of my patients take prescription pain medication for the first couple of days before transitioning to Motrin or Tylenol.