Recovery after a facelift[/url] varies depending on the extent of surgery and age of the patient. A short scar facelift or mini facelift may only require 7-10 days recovery while a full face and neck lift may require 14-20 days of recovery. If a neck lift is required with the facelift, then this requires further dissection and suturing which ultimately leads to a little more bruising and swelling. The vertical or deep plane facelift lifts the muscle or SMAS and releases the deep ligaments leading to slightly more swelling. However, this lift does last longer and leads to a more natural appearing look in the long term.

Assuring that you have stopped any blood thinners and alcohol for the proper amount of time prior to surgery will decrease bruising. Use of drains and a pressure dressing can decrease bruising as well. Lastly, herbal remedies such as Arnica Montana (which we provide for all our facelift patients) can in some cases decrease bruising and swelling.

Dr. Funk is a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston, TX specializing in facelift surgery.