what to expect after a facelift?

At first you will look worse than before, then you will start to look better and more
rejuvenated. Do not panic; this is normal. As swelling and bruising fades, you will begin
to see the results.

Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and to speed recovery. Do not
underestimate the importance of head elevation. It will reduce your recovery time.
Failure to do so may prolong recovery and may create disturbing facial asymmetry.

Following surgery, your entire head will be bandaged. The bandages can feel tight, it is because
they apply pressure to your face, neck and head to minimize bruising and swelling. The
bandages are usually removed one day after surgery.
You may feel some tightness and numbness on your face and neck. This tightness generally
resolves within six weeks. The feeling of tightness is usually due to swelling. As the swelling
goes down, your skin will loosen and then stabilize. Do not become alarmed that the facelift
didn’t work. It is normal for the face to look less wrinkled initially after surgery due to swelling.
Numbness may persist for several months and will gradually improve.

For incisions care, if you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the
tape on for a week or until it falls off. Or follow your doctor's instructions for removing the
tape.

When your doctor tells you that it is okay, you may wash the incision with soap and water and
gently dry the area. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.

Do not put lotions or ointments on your incisions unless your doctor tells you to do so.