Facelift in Turkey, Istanbul

A facelift is a common cosmetic procedure that helps reduce the signs of ageing by tightening sagging skin, repositioning facial tissues, and restoring youthful contours. The post-operative recovery process is just as important as the surgical technique itself.

During the recovery period following a facelift, many patients wonder whether their expectations will be met. Patients often hope that this period, which they have been eagerly awaiting, will pass quickly. However, it is important to remember that the recovery period following a facelift is a time that requires patience and should not be rushed. Understanding the potential post-operative situations and the precautions to take during the recovery phase is crucial for achieving satisfactory final results. In this article, you will find guidance on what to expect during the recovery process for those who have undergone a facelift.

Facelift Surgery Recovery in Turkey, Istanbul

The greatest concern patients have following a facelift is the fear that their face will appear swollen and bruised. This concern stems from the belief that the procedure will make it difficult for patients to participate in social life. However, the use of endoscopic surgical techniques in the field of plastic surgery has eliminated these issues. The post-operative recovery process for patients has now been significantly accelerated.

If you follow the instructions of Dr Şerif Yavuz during the recovery period following a facelift, you will achieve the desired final results without any complications. The points outlined below can serve as a guide regarding what to expect during the facelift procedure and the subsequent recovery process.

Clinic stay

Your doctor will decide how long you will need to stay at the clinic following a facelift. This period usually lasts one day and allows the doctor to address any potential complications immediately. Once discharged, you can resume your daily activities.

The patient’s post-operative fatigue

It is normal for patients to feel tired after surgery due to both the lethargy caused by the anaesthetic and the effects of the medication administered as part of their treatment. However, this is a temporary condition, and there is no cause for concern.

Eating and drinking immediately after surgery

As the effects of the anaesthetic will still be present after the operation, you should avoid eating or drinking for a certain period. Once the effects of the anaesthetic have completely worn off, you may eat and drink small amounts on the same day, but you must not eat hard foods. You must strictly follow the advice given by your doctor. Generally, your diet for the first day is determined by the clinic.

In the days that follow, do not chew excessively and avoid foods that require heavy chewing. Cut your food into small pieces before putting it in your mouth. Eat soft, liquid-based foods such as soup. Reduce your salt intake for one month.

Use of painkillers

You may experience moderate to severe pain following the operation. This pain can be managed with the painkillers prescribed by your doctor.

Post-operative swelling and bruising

Bruising or swelling after surgery is normal and temporary. Applying a cold compress will help reduce bruising and swelling and alleviate pain.

If you apply ice therapy to the cheeks for 5–10 minutes every hour for two days, the healing of bruising, swelling and redness will be accelerated. Swelling usually begins to subside within a few days, and bruising diminishes noticeably within 7–10 days. By three weeks, the swelling and bruising will have completely disappeared.

Post-operative check-up

You must attend your follow-up appointments on the dates specified by your doctor to monitor your recovery after the operation and to have your stitches and dressings removed. To ensure there is no scarring and that healing is rapid, it is essential that you attend your follow-up appointments on time.

Keep your head above heart level

When resting, keep your head above the level of your heart. It is helpful to place an extra pillow under your head when lying down or sleeping. If possible, try to sleep on your back and always support your head with a pillow. Doing so will also help reduce swelling.

Avoid smoking and drinking

Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow, and this narrowing reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the body, which in turn leads to slower wound healing. Furthermore, smoking and alcohol consumption weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections to develop and spread. For this reason, it is advisable to stop smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 15 days after surgery; if this is not possible, consumption should be significantly reduced.

Avoid strenuous activities and sports for a while

You should avoid strenuous activities and sports for approximately one month until you have fully recovered from the operation. To ensure a healthy recovery, your body needs to rest. To achieve this, you should get a good night’s sleep and avoid strenuous activities. Protect your face from impacts and avoid sudden, rapid movements. You should be particularly careful with strenuous activities and exercise until the stitches are removed.

Protect your face from heat

Places with high ambient temperatures, such as saunas, can cause unwanted effects on the face. Hot environments can delay the resolution of swelling and oedema.

Post-operative rest

Resting for one week to 10 days after the operation and avoiding strenuous activities will speed up the recovery process. It usually takes 1–2 months for the face to heal completely.

Removing stitches

The stitches are usually removed 7 days after the operation. However, your doctor will decide whether or not to remove the stitches based on the condition of the wounds and the healing process. The stitches may be removed earlier.

Removal of bandages

Depending on the complexity of the operation, the dressings are removed one week after the procedure. Although the dressings initially help to prevent the wounds from becoming infected, leaving them in place for too long may delay healing. The dressings on your face should be removed by your doctor on the scheduled date.

Do not shower immediately after the surgery

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding showering. Your doctor will usually allow you to take a shower with lukewarm water after two days. Showering on the first day increases the risk of infection and swelling.

Removal of drains

Drains used to drain fluid that has accumulated in the area following surgery are usually removed within a day or two.

Don’t overwork your facial muscles; don’t make too many facial expressions

For at least a few days, try to avoid laughing too much, talking too much, and making exaggerated facial expressions or gestures. These can put strain on the stitches and cause them to tear.

Protect your face from the sun

You should avoid sunlight as much as possible. If there is a risk of sun exposure, you should use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

Take care when getting dressed

To minimise contact with your face, avoid wearing clothes that go over your head for at least 7 days. Opt for shirt-style garments with buttons or zips.

Using the cream

Unless your doctor advises otherwise, applying an antibiotic and/or emollient cream to the suture lines twice a day will help prevent infection and speed up the healing process.

Take a break from wearing make-up for a while

Once the face bandage has been removed, you can gently cleanse your skin with soapy water, Vaseline or skin care creams. You should take a break from wearing make-up. Do not wear make-up for at least two weeks.

If you have any questions about the recovery process following a facelift, please contact Op. Dr Serif Yavuz Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. You may also wish to explore non-surgical aesthetic treatments and Endolift facelift procedures as alternatives to surgery. Please contact us to book an appointment or for further information.