The SMAS facelift procedure is a great way to tighten sagging skin and inject youth back into your face. It’s also relatively minimally invasive as far as facelifts go.
After SMAS facelifts, you can expect some bruising and swelling, much like what happens when you get hit in the face. You’ll also experience some numbness around your mouth and jawline. The good news is that both of these issues resolve themselves within a few weeks of the procedure.
Facelift Recovery Week 1
The first week of recovery may involve some swelling and bruising on the face and neck. This is normal and should resolve as the week progresses. There may be some minor discomfort, which can typically be controlled with over-the-counter medications.
You should plan to sleep with your head elevated for the first week of recovery and keep your head and neck stationary during this time. Avoid strenuous activity and instead focus on getting rest.
Ice packs may help to reduce swelling and discomfort. Make sure to keep the incision area clean and dry while avoiding direct exposure to sun and extreme temperatures.
Facelift Recovery Week 2
Swelling will continue to reduce and the patient must maintain their facial wounds. The patient should expect to start weaning off of their pain medications, as pain is usually managed with over-the-counter analgesics.
Bruising and numbness will also continue to reduce. Sutures should remain in place until removed by a board-certified surgeon.
Facelift Recovery Weeks 3 and 4
The skin may begin to appear pink and the stitches will be removed on or around the tenth day. Most people can begin resuming their normal day-to-day activities at this point but should still avoid high-impact or strenuous activity and direct sun exposure for several weeks to reduce the risk of complications. However, sleep may still be disrupted due to the pain associated with a facelift.
What to Expect After Day 30
After day 30, you can expect some fullness in the face, especially around the angles, temples, cheeks, and lower jawline. This is normal, as the SMAS facelift was performed in these areas. Some tenderness, stiffness, and swelling may still be present, but this will gradually diminish over the next few weeks.
You may need to wear a special bandage, depending on the extent of your facelift surgery. You should also continue with your cold compresses to reduce swelling and continue to take your prescribed medications to control discomfort and swelling. At this stage, you should start to see some signs of improvement in the appearance of your face and neck.
If you are interested in getting a facelift, you can try visiting facelift by Dr. Shermak. Getting services from a certified expert ensures the best results.
Learn More About the SMAS Facelift Recovery Timeline
A SMAS facelift is a great procedure to reduce signs of aging, revealing a more youthful-looking face. Recovery time is up to a month, but the results will last up to 5 years. With proper follow-up care from a qualified surgeon and a diligent approach to skincare, you can expect dramatic facial rejuvenation with a SMAS facelift.
If you think this procedure may be right for you, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more.
