Elective cosmetic procedures such as the facelift can be scary. At The Lanfranchi Center, we hold your hand from consultation to your last post-op appointment to ensure you’re informed and ready to restore your youth and beauty as quickly and comfortably as possible. The more you know, the better prepared you can be for your TLC Lift™, TLC Premier Lift™, or even a revision facelift.
Techniques for Speedier Recovery
Since every procedure performed at The Lanfranchi Center is under local anesthesia with triple board-certified surgeon, Dr. Paul Lanfranchi, your procedure is lower risk than procedures with general anesthesia. Using advanced techniques perfected during more than 10,000 procedures, Dr. Lanfranchi performs your facelift with the precision of one of the best cosmetic surgeons in the country.
Minimizing Your Facelift Recovery
Thankfully, the recovery process for a facelift is relatively quick. Every patient heals differently, but you can expect swelling and bruising to peak between 3-4 days, and some return to work after only 7-10 days. Looking worse before improvements is normal, so don’t panic. Once the swelling and bruising fade, you’ll start to see results. Here are some tips to help speed your recovery.
Pay attention to aftercare instructions to avoid unnecessary complications. Dr. Lanfranchi will provide detailed directions for post-op care. Keep bandages as sterile as possible until they’re scheduled for removal. Choose soft foods. Excessive chewing can exacerbate swelling and pain. Elevate your head for 2-3 days to minimize swelling and reduce downtime. Sleep on stacked pillows to help maintain an elevated position. Avoid vigorous activity, though moving around after your first 24 hours—small trips to the bathroom or kitchen—helps restore circulation. Just don’t overdo it.
Avoid heat to reduce swelling. Cold compresses fight inflammation, constrict blood vessels, and suppress swelling. These can also help with pain management, as cold numbs nerve endings. Heat does the opposite and should be avoided. Avoid proximity to lamps and keep ambient temperatures a few degrees cooler than normal if you can, particularly in the summer.
Rest as much as possible. Let yourself relax. The body will heal itself, but it requires energy to do so. Expending that energy too soon will delay your recovery. Sleep, catch up on your reading, and take it easy so your body has the resources it needs to speed healing.
Keep exercise light for up to 4 weeks. Light housework after 1-2 weeks, short walks, and returning to work for non-physical jobs is permitted, and moderate exercise is allowed at around 2 weeks. But heavy exertion is inadvisable until the 4-week mark.
Protect your face from sun exposure. You’ll be more sensitive to the sun for several weeks post-op, and more vulnerable to sunburn. Exposure to UV rays may also intensify scarring. Consistent applications of sunscreen are ideal, as well as considering a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors.
Contact the TLC Team if you experience signs of infection such as spreading redness, drainage, excessive pain, or fever greater than 101 degrees. We’re here to ensure your recovery is as smooth and quick as possible.
Stellar Service from Start to Finish
Two months ago I had a lower lifestyle facial lift. I was apprehensive, but it was well worth the effort and expense. Dr. Lanfranchi and his entire staff were kind, caring and very professional, from the first meeting to the follow up appointments.
The procedure is done under a local, not general anesthetic, and it was easy. I healed quickly and am very satisfied with the results.
His fee was very reasonable. Any further facial work I want done, I will be sure to come back here.
Take the Next Step — Request a Consultation
Ready to learn more about the TLC Lift™? The first step is an in-person consultation with Dr. Lanfranchi. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our office directly at (702) 929-3880 during normal business hours (please leave a message if we are unable to answer). The Lanfranchi Center serves the Las Vegas and Henderson, NV areas.