What is the recovery like after a deep plane facelift?
Scottsdale deep plane facelift
For people who are looking to reverse the signs of aging, a surgical facelift is the most powerful option. There’s simply no better way to address issues like skin laxity and deep wrinkles and grooves. A facelift is a highly customized procedure, with multiple different options available to address different needs and goals.
A deep plane facelift is the most extensive type. During this procedure, the attachments that hold the skin and other superficial tissues in place are released. This allows the surgeon to reposition the deeper tissues, such as muscles, along with the more superficial ones. As a result, the deep plane facelift has the greatest ability to address the visible signs of aging and create a rejuvenated and refreshed look.
Many of our patients wonder whether the recovery from a deep plane facelift will be more difficult than the recovery from a less extensive procedure, such as a SMAS facelift. The procedure is more extensive, and so it’s reasonable to expect a more difficult recovery period. Is this true? What is it like to recover from a deep plane facelift?
Is it harder to recover from a deep plane facelift?
In fact, the recovery from a deep plane facelift is not very much different from the recovery from a SMAS facelift. There may be somewhat more swelling and bruising after a deep plane facelift, due to the increased manipulation of tissues. However, the difference is less than what many people expect. How our patients feel as they recover from a facelift doesn’t really differ by type.
Keep in mind that the timeline for recovery is mainly influenced by the timeline of the body’s healing processes. This timeline is the same with either type of facelift. Even though there might be a little more healing required after a deep plane facelift, the time that it takes for the body to heal the tissues and recover doesn’t really change. This is why the recovery after a deep plane facelift is very similar to the recovery after another type of facelift.
What is the timeline for deep plane facelift recovery?
In general, after a deep plane facelift, the swelling and bruising will be at their worst within the first few days. Most people won’t want to be seen in public during this time. It’s best to plan to simply relax and recover at home over this early period. Some people feel more discomfort than others, but you can expect this to lessen significantly after the first few days.
After about ten days to two weeks, most people are ready to resume their regular daily activities. You can return to work at this point, as long as your job doesn’t involve a lot of physical activity. Things like light housework are also okay. There will still be some swelling, and those who know you well may be able to notice this. However, after about four to six weeks, the effect of the swelling on your appearance should be gone.
It’s important to avoid doing any strenuous exercise during the early recovery period. After three to four weeks, you can gradually start to ramp up the intensity of your workouts. After about six to eight weeks, most people are back to their previous level of physical activity, although the exact timeline can vary a bit from person to person.
Scottsdale deep plane facelift
The recovery from a deep plane facelift isn’t much different from the recovery from a SMAS facelift. This means that you don’t need to fear it – you can choose whichever type of facelift would work best to address your concerns, without worrying that the recovery period will be too difficult or painful.
If you’re considering a facelift and are wondering which type would be best for you, your next step is a consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon. After examining you and learning about your goals for your appearance, Dr. Caniglia will be happy to share his recommendations about which type of facelift would most likely get the results that you’re looking for. If he believes that nonsurgical options would be better for you at this point, he’ll share that with you as well. To schedule your appointment, please contact our front desk.