How Long Will My Face Feel Tight After Facelift Surgery?

For many men and women considering facelift surgery, looking overly tight or windblown is a significant concern. When performed properly by a highly experienced plastic surgeon, however, facelift surgery can actually yield stunning and remarkably natural-looking results. Still, a feeling (not a look) of tightness is a common side effect of facelift surgery and, fortunately, only a temporary one. Below, the team at Exclusively Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Medispa in Winchester, VA explains what patients can expect after facelift surgery, including how long a feeling of tightness or stretched skin may last.

Should I get a facelift?

Choosing to undergo facelift surgery is a personal decision and should be carefully considered along with your surgeon. With a wide range of advanced facelift techniques available today, facelift surgery is an appropriate and effective option for more patients than ever before and can help enhance a patient’s appearance at virtually any age. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of facial aging that may mean facelift surgery would be beneficial for you include:

• Droopy features
• Wrinkled skin
• Deep lines and facial folds
• Sagging jowls
• Downturned eyes or mouth
• Hollow cheeks
• Sunken eyes
• Tired, worn-out overall look

Depending on the nature and extent of your facial aging, we may recommend one of several types of facelifts, such as:

• Full facelift (traditional facelift)
• Mid-face lift
• Lower facelift
• Mini facelift
• Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation

What to expect during facelift recovery

The details of facelift recovery will vary based on which kind of facelift was performed and other factors. In general, patients can expect bruising, swelling, tenderness, or soreness after facelift surgery that may last up to 4 – 6 weeks. Another common side effect of facelift surgery is the sensation of tight or stretched skin. This may be worrisome, particularly for those patients who are concerned about looking “plastic” after facelift surgery, but this feeling does not reflect what the face actually looks like. In other words, while the newly enhanced skin, muscles, and tissues may feel tight or artificial, the patient's face won’t look that way. For most patients, this sensation goes away after about 6 – 8 weeks, though it can take up to 3 – 4 months in some cases.

When will I be recovered after facelift surgery?

The majority of facelift patients are able to return to work and other activities after about 2 – 3 weeks, and in some cases sooner, though residual swelling and bruising may still be present. The majority of facelift swelling should resolve after about six weeks, but the final results of a facelift may not be apparent for up to six months as the tissues will continue to heal and settle. Once a patient has fully healed and recovered from facelift surgery, they can enjoy a natural-looking, youthful new appearance – with little to no visible scarring – that can last for years or even decades.

Restore youthful, natural-looking beauty with a facelift in Winchester, VA

While you’ll surely want everyone to notice how much younger and fresher you look after facelift surgery, you may not want them to know that you “had work done.” With an experienced plastic surgeon, facelift surgery doesn’t have to look fake or artificial and, instead, can actually appear strikingly natural and beautiful. To learn more about your options for facelift surgery in Winchester, VA, call Exclusively Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Medispa to schedule your consultation today.