It will rejuvenate your face, restoring a youthful appearance that looks completely natural.
Now that you have decided to have this transformative surgery, you may have started to think about the healing process.
Patients should have as much information as possible about their facelift and what to expect during recovery.
Read on to find out more about deep plane facelift surgery and the timeline of your recovery from the first week to the development of your final results after 12 weeks.
What is deep plane facelift surgery?
Traditional facelifts simply stretch loose skin and trim away the excess.
The deep plane facelift is a far more sophisticated procedure that delivers lasting, natural-looking results.
These exceptional results are achieved by the surgeon manipulating the deeper facial tissues as well as the skin.
At the same time, the facelift surgeon will also release the ligaments that hold the skin in place, ensuring that once healed, your skin looks fresh and relaxed rather than stretched.
Preparing for your facelift surgery
The week before your facelift surgery could be just as crucial for your recovery as the week post-surgery
We advise our facelift patients to do the following to ensure a smoother recovery:
Avoid blood thinners
Avoid alcohol and medications that thin the blood, like ibuprofen, as they can increase post-operative bruising and delay healing.
If you take prescription blood-thinning medication, this will have been discussed when your surgeon took your medical history, and your surgeon will have advised you about what to do.
Please note that we advise patients to refrain from smoking altogether or at least for 6 weeks before any cosmetic surgical procedure.
Stock the fridge
You may not feel like going out shopping whilst recovering, so make sure you have food in the fridge.
Many patients prefer to eat soft foods for the first few days. Think about including as much protein-rich food as possible in your diet, as this will promote healing.
Don’t forget to have a good supply of non-alcoholic beverages, as hydration is essential for successful recovery.
Put a support network in place
Recruit some friends or family to support you after surgery. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital, and it would be good to have people checking in on you.
Some patients experience postoperative blues, and you may find emotional support helpful during the initial recovery period.
Your deep plane facelift recovery timeline
This is a typical recovery plan that applies to most patients, but individuals vary.
Day one – the first day after your deep plane facelift recovery
You will be taken to the recovery room after your procedure, where our surgical team will monitor you as you wake from your anaesthesia.
Your face will be bandaged, and there may be small drains to prevent fluid from building in your tissues.
You should expect bruising and swelling, and most patients experience moderate pain for the first few days. Any discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
You will be able to shower and wash your hair using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. It is essential to be extra careful around the incision sites.
You will leave the hospital as soon as you are ready, armed with detailed post-operative instructions from your surgical team.
Week one: what to expect during the first week
Rest should be your priority for the first three days, as it will help the healing process.
Swelling peaks around 72 hours after surgery, and we advise patients to keep their head elevated to encourage gravity to reduce swelling.
It is a good idea to sleep with the head raised on pillows. Cold compresses can be used to minimise swelling further.
Gentle exercise, like light walking, is a good way to promote circulation and lift your mood.
By the end of this week, your incisions should be turning into scars, the first stage of healing.
Weeks two to four: the recovery process speeds up
During these weeks, your healing progresses quickly, but it is still essential that you follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Significant swelling will subside, but you may notice areas of stubborn residual swelling for some time.
You will be able to start wearing makeup again, provided you take care to avoid the incisions.
Many patients return to work and resume their normal activities, but you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and other vigorous activities for a while longer.
Your scars will still be pink by week four, but they will be starting to fade, and it should be possible to hide them with your hair, as they will be around your ears.
You will soon start to see the outline of your new, rejuvenated facial contour.
Facelift recovery week five onwards.
Many patients find week five a turning point in their recovery process.
Lingering swelling will continue to reduce.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you on using massage and products like silicone sheets to minimise scarring.
For the next few months you should focus on your health and well-being, nourishing your body with a protein-rich diet and using excellent skin care, which all help to give you the best results possible.
Six to twelve months post surgery
The final results will be visible, and you will love your more youthful appearance and smooth facial skin.
Frequently asked questions about deep plane facelift surgery
How much younger will I look after my facelift?
Your deep-plane facelift will remove sagging skin, smooth wrinkles. Patients experience a reset of their beauty with some reporting that they look ten to fifteen years younger.
How can I preserve the results of my procedure for as long as possible?
You can protect these benefits for as long as possible by maintaining a healthy weight with a good diet and exercise. Sun protection is also essential to prevent further ageing.
Are there any risks with a deep plane facelift?
The deep plane facelift technique deals with the intricate deep structures of the face, which always carries the risk of damage to the facial nerves. This is usually temporary but can occasionally be permanent.
There is also the risk of asymmetry, scarring and skin necrosis from poor circulation, an issue that particularly affects smokers.
All these risks are reduced considerably when you choose a reputable surgeon experienced in deep plane procedures like those at the Coppergate Clinic.
Does the deep plane facelift have any disadvantages?
The deep plane facelift has a longer recovery period than other facelift techniques. The complexity of the technique makes it more expensive than others and means that it carries more risk of complications.
However, the deep plane facelift is also extremely popular, as it gives more natural and longer-lasting results than any other type of facelift procedure.
Is there an emotional aspect to recovering from a deep plane procedure?
Recovery from any surgical procedure can be an anxious time; however, with the facelift, there is the added anxiety of worrying about the appearance.
Patients often need reassurance from their plastic surgeon, family and friends that they have done the right thing. This anxiety is usually short-lived as the fantastic results of the surgery start to become apparent.
However, even after the healing process is over, it can take time for the patient to be comfortable with their transformed appearance and the response that it provokes in others. Again, this phase is usually short-lived, and patients soon find renewed self-confidence that gives them a new zest for life.
How much does a deep plane facelift cost at Coppergate Clinic?
The cost of the deep plane facelift starts at £15 995.
Book your consultation
Why not book a consultation to find out how a deep plane facelift at the Coppergate Clinic could transform the way you look and feel about yourself.
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