Rhytidectomy Recovery

If you’ve noticed that your appearance has started to change, such as fine lines and wrinkles developing around your eyes and mouth, or loose skin beginning to sag? While it is natural to see your skin begin to wrinkle and become loose as you age, you can turn back the affects of time with a rhytidectomy or facelift procedure. With a skilled board-certified facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics, not only can you expect to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results, but also the safest and quickest recovery possible.

What is a Rhytidectomy?

A standard facelift surgery is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that involves removing excess skin and fatty tissue around the neck, chin, and face, while also tightening and repositioning muscle to achieve a lifted appearance. The procedure helps lift and define the features of the face again by reversing the effect that loose, sagging skin can have on one’s appearance.

In order to conceal any signs of the operation, Dr. Kulbersh places any incisions in hard-to-notice areas, such as under the chin, behind the ears, and along the hairline and temples. Scarring is minimal and often unnoticeable, contributing to the overall natural-looking results.

What is Involved with a Rhytidectomy Recovery?

Recovering from a full facelift can take at least two weeks for most patients. During the procedure, the patient will be given general anesthesia to avoid any discomfort. Dr. Kulbersh makes as little incisions as possible to ensure a quicker recovery time, but patients are recommended to stay their first night after the surgery at Carolina Facial Plastics’ private recovery suite. A dedicated nurse will help monitor and tend to the patient’s needs, including dressing changes and pain management. The next day, Dr. Kulbersh will evaluate whether the patient is in good condition to return home.

For the first week, patients must wear facial bandages and carefully clean their sutures to prevent infection and ensure safe healing. The patient will return to the office after the first week to have the sutures removed. Throughout this period, it is common for patients to experience redness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical sites as the body heals. Patient must avoid physical activities, steam baths, and saunas during the first two weeks as well, to avoid prolonging the healing process.

Dr. Kulbersh and his staff will be available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that may come up during the rhytidectomy recovery. Safety is the number one priority, no matter what treatment a patient receives at Carolina Facial Plastics and Dr. Kulbersh ensures that each patient understands what to expect during recovery as well as the type of results that are possible.

Schedule a Facelift Consultation Today!

To learn more about what is involved with a rhytidectomy, schedule a consultation with the board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh. Prior to any rhytidectomy, it is crucial to work with a surgeon with a strong track record of success who will not only listen to your concerns and goals, but will also provide the highest quality care during your recovery.

Next, read Traditional Facelift