Orange County Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Kevin Sadati, Explains What Patients Should Expect After a Facelift Procedure

The facelift is one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures amongst baby boomers. With this in mind, Dr. Kevin Sadati has released a tip sheet for Orange County patients to use during their facelift recovery.

What to Expect After a Facelift Procedure?

All of my patients are provided with specific individual instructions for their post-operative period, but this general guideline will help many patients understand what they can expect after their surgery is completed.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) April 16, 2014

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of a person's face by eliminating excess skin, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. While the goal is aesthetic improvement, Orange County patients should still recognize the fact that a full facelift is a major operation that is usually done under general anesthesia.

Dr. Kevin Sadati, a board certified expert facial plastic surgeon who operates out of Newport Beach, has mastered performing his lower face and neck lifts under local anesthesia and twilight sedation. He has released a tip sheet so patients can better understand the facelift recovery process and the difference general vs local anesthesia makes.

"Facelift recovery experiences will vary based on the patient, and it is essential that patients know what to expect immediately following the operation. The recovery process has a major impact on the final results of the surgery," explains Dr. Kevin Sadati.

What Should Patients Expect After a Facelift?

Days 1-7: The first 24 hours are the most challenging for patients, and a caretaker should be available at this time to help the patient with daily activities. Even though, most patients will feel well enough to move about the house within 24-48 hours. Patients should spend the first week resting after their surgery, allowing their body the time it needs to heal. Patients should rest with their heads elevated in order to minimize the swelling and bruising that is present after the operation. This is not the time organize the garage or perform gardening.

Days 8-14: Most patients are feeling significantly better at this point, but they should not be surprised if there is still some residual bruising and swelling. Everyone heals differently. The average patient returns to work within 10 days after the operation, when performed under local anesthesia. While the patient may be feeling better, they should still recognize that their body is healing. Any strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until the fourth week.

Days 15-30: At this point, nearly every patient is feeling well enough to return to their normal daily obligations. Patients should talk with their surgeons about any questionable activities or exercise programs that they wish to start again. The incisions will still be healing and may look slightly pink, but most patients can easily hide their incision lines with their hair or makeup. Some swelling may still be present, this is normal in some patients and part of the body’s healing process.

"All of my patients are provided with specific individual instructions for their post-operative period, but this general guideline will help many patients understand what they can expect after their surgery is completed. Having this perspective allows patients to stay positive during their recovery process as they look ahead at their final results," notes Dr. Kevin Sadati.

Dr. Kevin Sadati has performed over 2500 face and neck lifts procedures with local anesthesia and twilight sedation. A master of his technique, he has been able to perform his renowned lower face and neck lift comfortably for his patients without the need for general anesthesia. In turn, he has noticed that his patients are able to enjoy a smoother, quicker recovery. For example, since there is no need for general anesthesia, patients do not experience such things as nausea and vomiting after surgery. A common risk associated with general anesthesia. Dr. Kevin Sadati’s scientific paper, that was published in The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, had a study that confirmed this by showing that patients who had facelifts using local anesthesia and twilight sedation had less complications and a better post-operative recovery.

Patients who are interested in having a facelift performed by Dr. Kevin Sadati are invited to set up a free cosmetic consultation. To find out more information about the stages of the facelift recovery process, contact Dr. Kevin Sadati's office today.