So you’ve just had your facelift at our NYC facial plastic surgery practice. Congratulations! This is a major life decision that was probably not easy to make. You’ve wanted this for a long time and now is finally your chance to enjoy the youthening effects of your procedure.
Well… almost. First comes recovery.
And recovery, you’ll find, is just as (if not more) difficult than deciding if you should get a facelift in the first place. Two weeks of downtime might not sound that hard to mess up, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about the healing of your facelift. The recovery process can be challenging at times, but it is nothing that you can’t get through with a little help from Dr. Konstantin.
Tip #1: No-mirror stage
The first two weeks after a facelift can be surprisingly emotional for some patients. As the face heals, there is going to be bruising, swelling, discoloration, and other undesirable marks. While you’ve been told that this is completely normal, you can’t help worrying that you’ve made a horrible mistake. Will my face look like this forever? What have I done!
This is why we advise everybody to avoid looking in the mirror during the first week after their facelift, effectively calling it the “no mirror” stage. While we know that you, just like Dr. Konstantin’s thousands of other facelift patients, will heal in no time, it can be overwhelming to see yourself before you’ve healed. In the world of surgical cosmetic enhancements, “things have to look worse before they look better.”
On the practical level, at this point, the most important thing you can do is to follow the postoperative recommendations and instructions of your surgeon. Keep in mind: the doctor is an expert in optimizing recovery. Let the professional guide you through this important period.
Tip #2: Everything in moderation
At the different stages of your recovery from your facelift, your surgeon will most likely provide new tips for how to improve your healing: gentle massages, light exercise, applying your bandages, etc. But one must remember that too much of a good thing is not always better. Oftentimes people are doing the right thing, but doing it way over the top: placing bandages overly tight, using excessive heat, and practicing forceful massage. These will all result in healing delays, and could potentially even affect the final result. Please remember: whatever you do, you should do so in moderation.
Tip #3: Avoid the Internet
While it may seem like second nature to hop onto WebMD and start self-diagnosing, this will only add to any uneasiness you are experiencing. Looking to the Internet instead of your doctor might also steer you to completely unnecessary treatments. If you truly believe you are in need of medical supervision, always contact your surgeon first. This will cut out any inaccurate information and eliminate additional stress. It’s also helpful to understand facelift terminology when talking to your surgeon.
Positive thinking is another thing that will have a great impact on your healing process. Everyone will experience some bruising and swelling, but a positive outlook goes a long way to making things heal faster. A glass half full is always better than a glass half empty.
Tip #4: Keep your eyes on the prize
When going through a stage of doubt, remember to keep your eyes on the prize: focus on why you got your facelift. The transformation that a facelift can have on one’s appearance and confidence is profound, but it requires time to reach its full effect. Dr. Konstantin encourages patients concerned about their recovery to remember the reason they opted for a facelift in the first place: “The final results of this procedure are so striking, and the rejuvenating effect so significant, that the weeks you spend in recovery will all have been worth it.”
For more information on all-things-facelifts, visit Dr. Konstantin, who many consider the best facelift surgeon in NYC, on Instagram and YouTube. To schedule a consultation, contact his Manhattan-based practice today.
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