Facelift in Houston, TX

How Should I Prepare For My Facelift Surgery?

Before your facelift, you may be asked to complete lab testing or modify your medication and vitamin regimen. If you smoke or use nicotine products, you should stop at least six weeks before your surgery and be willing to abstain for the duration of your recovery, as smoking can affect your ability to heal. Additionally, you should avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements.

Once your facelift has been scheduled, we will give you personalized instructions on how to prepare for surgery to ensure a safe procedure and a healthy recovery.

How Is a Facelift Performed?

A facelift is an outpatient procedure performed using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on which type of facelift you are receiving and your individual treatment plan. Dr. Kronowitz will make strategically placed incisions, allowing him to manipulate and tighten the facial tissue and muscles with internal sutures. Once this step is completed, excess skin will be excised, and your skin will be carefully redraped before the incisions are closed, leaving you with a smoother, more youthful appearance. Your face is wrapped in a compression bandage for support and to help minimize swelling, and you’re taken to the recovery area.

What Can I Expect From My Facelift Recovery?

Recovery from facelift surgery varies from person to person and depends on how involved the surgery is. Because the procedure is performed using anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

You can expect to experience moderate to significant bruising and swelling during the initial days of your recovery. You may also experience numbing, tingling, and itchiness around your incisions as you heal. Any post-operative discomfort and pain can be remedied with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses.

Bandages will be placed over the incision sites to protect the area and aid in healing. Sutures are usually removed within 10 to 14 days after your facelift procedure. You should sleep on your back with your upper body elevated during recovery to minimize swelling.

Most facelift patients can return to work and resume everyday activity after two weeks of recovery. However, you must refrain from any strenuous activities until Dr. Kronowitz clears you.

Dr. Kronowitz will schedule post-operative check-ups to assess your recovery progress and ensure you are healing well. He will give you detailed instructions on caring for your incisions and how to gently and carefully cleanse your face during your recovery. It is essential that you follow these instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

Do Facelifts Leave Scars?

The incisions made during a facelift are made in discreet locations to reduce visible scarring as much as possible. They are typically made close to the hairline, near the ears, and under the chin, and are hidden in the natural contours of your face. Scars from a facelift will be more noticeable during recovery but will fade quickly and can be treated with silicone scar strips, creams, or gels to further minimize their appearance.