Answer:
The recovery can vary from patient to patient. This also depends upon the type of operation performed. In general, most facelifts are done in my accredited ambulatory surgery center and therefore go home the same day. I prefer that my patients go home with a nurse who can take care of them for a day or two if possible. Many of my patients have one or two drains that drain fluid from the face and neck region. These are often removed after a few days. Sutures are taken out over the first 1-2 weeks. Most patients will have some bruising and generalized swelling. The facial bruising usually goes away within a week to ten days but can last a bit longer for some. The facial swelling can last 3-6 weeks but may persist to a small extent for several months after that. If patients have had fat injection, the swelling may persist a bit longer. Most patients can go back to light desk work within 7-10 days. Many can start light aerobic activity within about 3-4 weeks and then advance to more strenuous activity within about 6-8 weeks.