Recovery after facial surgery is a vital part of achieving optimal results, as it ensures the body heals effectively while minimising discomfort and downtime. Equally important is addressing the emotional aspects of recovery, as undergoing surgery can be a significant experience both physically and mentally. Dr. De Silva understands the importance of this dual focus and has developed a comprehensive range of treatments grounded in the latest scientific evidence. These treatments are designed to enhance healing, promote well-being, and help patients feel confident and supported throughout their recovery journey.
What to Expect During the Healing Process After a Facelift
The healing process after a facelift varies for each individual, but there are common stages most patients undergoing surgery at our London clinic can anticipate.
Immediately After Surgery
- Swelling and bruising are normal and typically most pronounced in the days following your procedure.
- Swelling can persist for several weeks, gradually diminishing over time.
- A feeling of tightness in the skin is also common, as your body adjusts to its new contours.
The First Week: Rest and Recovery
- The first week is a critical rest period. While you don’t need to remain in bed all day, it’s essential to avoid overexertion, as it could delay healing or lead to setbacks.
- During this time, follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully to promote recovery and minimise complications.
Week Two: Resuming Light Activities
- By the end of the second week, most patients receive clearance to resume light activities. It’s important to ease back into your routine gradually and avoid any strenuous exertion.
Planning for Recovery Time
Don’t forget to account for the financial and logistical impact of recovery. Depending on your job and recovery needs, you may need to take additional time off work. Factoring in this downtime will help ensure a stress-free healing process.
By understanding these stages and allowing your body the time it needs to recover, you can maximise the results of your facelift and enjoy a smoother journey to rejuvenation.
Quick and easy ways to speed up facelift recovery
Patients can speed up their facelift recovery with simple at-home solutions like applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, staying hydrated, and elevating their head while resting. Gentle skincare and following post-operative instructions are also key to promoting faster healing.
Compression garments and facelift recovery
Compression garments can be an unsung hero in the recovery process. They help reduce swelling and support the new contours of your face. If you’ve ever looked at facelift recovery pictures day by day, you’ll notice the dramatic difference in healing when these garments are worn as instructed. In addition, sleeping with your head elevated will help reduce swelling and improve circulation, making you feel more comfortable during the initial days of recovery.
Proper Rest
Sleep plays a crucial role in the healing process, as the body does most of its repair work during rest. To support recovery, aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night and take naps when you feel tired as that’s your body’s way of signaling it needs more time to heal. Remember, recovery from facial surgery isn’t just physical; it can also take an emotional toll, with some patients experiencing psychological challenges for weeks or months afterward. Taking two to three weeks to rest and avoiding intense activities, such as exercise, is essential to aid a smoother recovery. While many patients lead busy lives, my staff and I prioritise ensuring they take the necessary time to rest and heal fully after surgery to optimise their results.
Healthy Eating for Faster Healing
What you eat after surgery can play a huge role in how quickly your body bounces back. High-protein foods like fish, eggs, and lean meats provide the necessary building blocks for tissue repair. Incorporating plenty of vitamins and antioxidants through fruits and vegetables is another great way to boost your immune system and support the healing process. Foods rich in Vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries, are particularly beneficial for skin health and collagen production.
Constipation can be an unexpected hurdle during recovery, often caused by anaesthesia and pain medications. To counter this, include fibre-rich foods like oats and legumes in your diet. These will help keep your digestive system moving smoothly and reduce discomfort.
Advanced treatments for facial surgery recovery
To optimise healing and achieve the best results after a facelift, our London clinic offers advanced recovery treatments, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, LED light therapy, and manual lymphatic drainage. These therapies are key aspects of the comprehensive aftercare services we provide, supporting your recovery journey every step of the way.
PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for Facelift Recovery
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced treatment that accelerates recovery after facelift surgery by harnessing the healing power of platelets from the patient’s own blood. The process involves extracting a small blood sample, isolating platelets in a centrifuge, and creating a golden serum rich in growth factors that stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow, enhancing skin vitality and elasticity.
At The Centre, PRP is applied via micro-needling, ensuring effective integration into the recovery process. Our advanced equipment delivers a high concentration of platelets for optimal results with minimal risk. Derived from the patient’s own body, PRP eliminates the risk of allergic reactions, with side effects limited to temporary redness or bruising. All procedures are conducted in our CQC-approved Harley Street facility, ensuring a safe and professional environment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy post-facelift
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves inhaling pure oxygen in a specialised, pressurised chamber, originally developed for treating decompression sickness but now widely recognised for its role in enhancing recovery after facial surgeries. By increasing air pressure to three times normal levels, the therapy enables the lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen, which is delivered to the bloodstream.
This enriched oxygen supply aids in fighting bacteria, stimulates stem cells and growth factors, and accelerates healing. Damaged tissues have higher oxygen demands, and hyperbaric therapy meets these needs, maintaining elevated oxygen levels in tissues even after treatment. Backed by scientific research, this therapy is a proven method for improving post-operative recovery and overall well-being, consistently offered to our patients for optimal results.
Light therapy
Light therapy or LED therapy (Light Emitting Diode) therapy is a versatile treatment that enhances skin recovery and healing while also offering aesthetic benefits. Suitable for all ages and skin tones, it uses light-emitting diodes for medical and cosmetic purposes and can be safely combined with other treatments, such as facials and radiofrequency, without adverse effects.
Dr De Silva provides complementary LED therapy to all patients, promoting faster healing and improved recovery following surgery.
Manual lymphatic drainage after facelift surgery
Dr De Silva ensures that all patients have access to expert Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) as part of their recovery plan, performed by a trained specialist. MLD is a targeted massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, reducing swelling caused by facial surgery and promoting faster healing.
The treatment begins by addressing unaffected areas to encourage lymphatic fluid to flow freely. This process helps decongest the swollen region and opens additional lymph collectors, enabling the protein and fluid to drain more effectively. MLD also accelerates the flow of lymph fluid throughout the system, supporting overall recovery and reducing post-surgical discomfort.
Cold therapy for reduced swelling after a facelift
Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, is an effective treatment to promote faster recovery after facial surgery. Similar to applying an ice pack to a swollen joint, cryotherapy provides a modern, targeted approach to reducing pain and inflammation. It can be applied in various ways, including coolant sprays, ice packs, ice massage, ice baths, or whirlpools.
This therapy works by minimising swelling, bleeding, and inflammation. The cooling effect lowers the oxygen demand of damaged tissues while activating lymphatic drainage to eliminate harmful substances. This combined action accelerates tissue regeneration and supports a smoother, faster recovery process.
H2: Natural ways to speed up facelift recovery
In recent years, nutritional supplements have been introduced to enhance patient recovery. The focus is on providing patients with only high-quality products and information grounded in robust scientific evidence. Dr Julian De Silva continuously updates this list of supplements as advancements in science and technology occur. Below are the benefits of taking nutritional supplements, along with the specific supplements associated with each benefit.
Arnica montana
Typically, arnica montana, also known as wolfsbane, is used to relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis. Arnica is commonly applied to manage post-surgical bruising, swelling, and bleeding. In addition, arnica montana is often used in drinks, sweets, baked goods, and other foods as a flavouring agent.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are formed by breaking down full collagen proteins into smaller segments. When ingested, they seem to concentrate in your cartilage and skin. Some skin and joint issues may benefit from this. Furthermore, collagen peptides are employed in the treatment of aged skin and osteoarthritis.
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that is also known as glutamine. Amino acids are chemicals that help the human body produce protein for nutrition. They can be found in protein-rich foods originating from plants and animals. Protein is, therefore, a nutrient essential for good health. The most prevalent amino acid is L-glutamine. It increases accessible nitrogen, which helps repair damage and produce protein.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is a vital anti-oxidant compound. The vitamin supports nutrient delivery through optimising capillary dilation. Since patients may experience low moods after surgery, taking vitamin B6 and B12 can help them feel good.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is required for epithelial tissue differentiation, development, and maintenance. In fact, less vitamin A equates to increased keratin release. This makes membranes rigid and messes with how they function. It is also involved in the regulation of normal cell growth.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Cysteine is found in the alpha-keratin component of fingernails, skin, and hair. It aids in the detoxification of toxic substances. Cysteine is also a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant with anti-ageing properties.This substance also promotes recovery after surgery and serious burns. It is most effective when combined with selenium.
Zinc Gluconate
Zinc gluconate is a potent immune booster. It is necessary for skin repair. Furthermore, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a zinc-dependent protein family that is involved in tissue remodelling and wound healing. It is essential for the creation of enzymes such as the potent super oxidant dismutase.
Papain
Papain is a well-known traditional pain, inflammation, and swelling therapy. It has also been used to treat infections, diarrhoea, allergies, and to aid digestion. Moreover, it aids in the relief of pain, swelling (inflammation), and fluid retention following trauma and surgery.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium, in particular, can help with chronic pain by counteracting the relaxing effects of calcium on muscles and neurons. It acts as a stifling agent in overstimulated neural receptors. As a result, magnesium can assist in alleviating postoperative discomfort.
Book a consultation and discuss your recovery options with Dr. De Silva
Booking a consultation with Dr De Silva is the essential first step toward a successful and seamless recovery. During your consultation, Dr De Silva will provide personalised advice and create a tailored treatment plan designed to make your recovery process as efficient and comfortable as possible. By combining advanced therapies with expert care and medical guidance, you can achieve optimal results. Contact us today to explore your recovery options and take the next step toward a smoother, more confident journey to rejuvenation.
