You’ve decided that a facelift is the procedure that will best help you reach your goals. The one thing you’re a bit nervous about, however, is the recovery period after the surgery. While you can’t avoid having some downtime after a facelift, there are things you can do to make sure the recovery process is as comfortable as possible. Here’s how to make your facelift recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Take Enough Time Off
One of the most important things you can do after your surgery is make sure you schedule plenty of time to rest up and recuperate. It’s very likely that your surgeon will recommend taking at least two weeks off from work or other commitments. Taking enough time off lets you relax and not feel stressed out or worried that you’ll have to get back before you feel 100 percent again.
What if you take the full two (or even three) weeks off but feel back to your old self sooner rather than later? Well, you can always go back to work earlier if you really want to.
Prepare in Advance
Another thing you can do to make your facelift recovery as comfortable as possible is to prepare for it well in advance of the surgery. You don’t want to return home after your facelift to a sink full of dishes, and an unmade bed. You also don’t want to have to think about getting the supplies you need, such as ice packs, pillows or medications, the day of or the day after your surgery.
Your surgeon can give you tips and advice on what specifically you can do to get ready for your recovery before your facelift. Generally, though, it’s a good idea to have a few meals prepared and packed up in the refrigerator or freezer well before the surgery. You can also stock up on menus and contact information from your favorite restaurants so that you have the number at the ready to call for take-out.
It’s usually a good idea to fill any prescriptions before the day of the surgery. That includes prescriptions related to the facelift surgery, such as any pain medications, and medicines you take for other conditions (as long as they won’t interfere with your recovery from the facelift).
You might want to stock up on other supplies too. For example, ice packs can help to minimize swelling, so make sure you have some of those on hand (bags of frozen peas or corn can substitute as an ice pack in a pinch). You might also want to get straws, so that it’s easier to drink liquids, and soft foods such as pudding or yogurt.
Get Your Bed Ready
You’re not likely to be bed-bound during your recovery, but you are probably going to spend a bit more time there than usual, especially during the first few days after your facelift. You might find that you need to change your sleeping position, sleeping on your back with your head propped up, rather than on your side or stomach.
Before the surgery, put fresh, clean sheets on the bed. If you only have one or two pillows, you might want to buy a couple more. Putting pillows on either side of your body will keep you from rolling over from your back to your side or stomach.
Plan for Things to Do
If you’re usually out and about during the day, having to press “pause” on your life can seem particularly challenging. To keep yourself from feeling bored, make a plan for quiet activities during your facelift recovery. This is your chance to finally finish a book, start learning a new language or to catch up on the latest Oscar winners.
Consider Getting Help
It might be worth hiring some help or asking your friends and relatives to pitch in a bit while you recover after your surgery. You don’t want to feel stressed out about dirty dishes in the sink, unwashed laundry or kids who need help with their schoolwork while you’re trying to relax. To put your mind at ease, it can be helpful to hire a housekeeper to drop in once or twice during that time or to ask your best friend to come over and help the kids with their homework.
While setting aside two weeks for recovery can seem like a major disruption in your life, most people who have facelift surgery find that it’s worth it in the long run. In Houston, Texas, Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board certified, highly regarded plastic surgeon who offers patients facelifts and other plastic surgery procedures. To learn more about what to expect from a facelift, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.