Postoperative Care
Facelift Aesthetic Surgery
Postoperative Symptoms That May Occur
✅ Normal Symptoms
Edema
This occurs in the majority of patients, most prominently within the first 3 to 5 days, then gradually subsides.
The duration may extend from 2 to 3 weeks depending on individual healing responses.
Ecchymosis
Typically appears on the face and neck regions, usually caused by capillary damage during tissue dissection.
The coloration evolves from purple → blue → yellow before completely resolving within 7 to 14 days.
Mild Pain or Discomfort
Patients may experience dull aching or a sensation of tightness in the elevated skin areas.
Analgesics are commonly prescribed to manage these symptoms.
Temporary Numbness or Sensory Loss
This results from minor nerve irritation or injury during surgery.
Sensory function is expected to gradually recover over several weeks to a few months.
Surgical Scarring
Incisions are usually placed in concealed areas (behind the ear, hairline) and typically fade over 6 to 12 months with proper postoperative care.
⚠️ Abnormal Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Prolonged Bleeding or Subcutaneous Hematoma
This manifests as persistent swelling, firmness, and severe pain, potentially necessitating fluid drainage or revision surgery.
Infection
Signs include fever, increased redness and swelling at the surgical site, worsening pain, pus discharge, or foul odor.
Prompt administration of antibiotics and medical intervention is essential.
Skin Necrosis
Characterized by dark purple to black discoloration and skin peeling at the surgical site, usually due to compromised blood supply.
Facial Nerve Injury
Results in facial asymmetry, mouth deviation, or loss of facial muscle movement.
Though rare, this serious complication requires close monitoring and appropriate management.
10 Postoperative Principles
Essential Guidelines to Follow After Aesthetic Surgery
- Avoid Scratching, Impact, or Pressure on the Operated Area
- Avoid positions that put pressure on the facial area, such as bending your head low or lying with your head down. Refrain from activities that may induce vomiting or straining.
- Do not smile or open your mouth wide to avoid causing damage that may disrupt the stitches from the recent facelift surgery.
- Use antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-swelling medications, and scar prevention treatments as prescribed by your doctor.
- Change the dressing within 24 hours after surgery and rest completely for 5 to 10 days post-surgery.
- Apply cold compresses for the first 2 days. Be sure to check the temperature of the compress with your hand, and place a clean gauze layer between the compress and the skin to prevent thermal burns.
- From the fourth day onwards, apply warm compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
- For 5 to 7 days, avoid eating hard foods. It is advisable to consume soft foods such as plain rice porridge (avoid sticky rice porridge), soups, and pureed foods.
- Schedule regular follow-up appointments at 1, 3, and 6 months for the doctor to evaluate your condition and assess your health.
- Refrain from sauna or steam room sessions for four weeks following the surgical procedure, as this may adversely affect the recovery process.
Recovery Stages After a Facelift Procedure
WEEK 1
The first few days are highly sensitive. The incision site must be carefully protected. Prescribed pain medication may be needed after 24 hours to manage discomfort.
On Day 2, your surgeon will examine the surgical area and replace the dressing to assess healing progress.
Bruising and swelling typically peak on Days 3 and 4 — a normal response that gradually resolves within 5–7 days.
WEEK 2
In certain cases where patients have a delicate constitution or particularly thin and sensitive skin, symptoms such as swelling, soreness, numbness, itching, and a feeling of tightness may persist through days 7 to 10.
During this period, patients are advised to gradually resume light activities within their physical capacity, avoid bending the head forward, and strictly refrain from any strong impact or physical trauma to the surgical area
WEEK 3 & 4
At this stage, most patients begin to notice a significant improvement in their facial appearance, with a noticeably refreshed and rejuvenated look. The incision lines are generally well-healed and appear as light pink marks, which will gradually fade over time with proper post-operative care.
AFTER DAY 30
After the one-month milestone, you can confidently return to daily life with a revitalized and noticeably enhanced appearance. The results of the facelift are long-lasting, offering a youthful, refreshed look that effectively combats visible signs of aging for years to come.
A detailed post-operative care instruction video
Post-operative Nutritional Guidelines
Avoid consuming foods that may cause hypertrophic scarring, such as water spinach. Refrain from eating foods that can trigger itching or pus formation, including chicken, seafood, glutinous rice, and fishy foods. Avoid foods that may affect skin pigmentation, such as eggs and beef. Spicy and hot foods should also be avoided. Additionally, abstain from stimulants such as beer, alcohol, tobacco, and coffee, as these substances can prolong wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
Common Questions After Facelift Surgery
How long does swelling and bruising last after surgery?
Swelling and bruising are normal postoperative symptoms. Typically, swelling significantly decreases within 7 to 10 days, while bruising may take 10 to 14 days to fully resolve.
Applying cold compresses during the first two days and elevating the head with pillows while sleeping can help accelerate the reduction of swelling.
How long after surgery can I wash my hair and face?
You can wash your hair after 48–72 hours, but it is advisable to use warm water and be gentle, avoiding any rubbing of the surgical area.
For washing your face, use a soft towel dampened with water to gently wipe around the surgical site, avoiding direct contact with the stitches during the first week.
Does Facelift Surgery Result in Scarring?
Contemporary facelift techniques are minimally invasive and often closed, minimizing scar formation. Nevertheless, scar presence depends on the surgical approach, individual skin biology, healing capacity, and postoperative care.
Is Mild Facial Asymmetry or Unilateral Swelling Normal After Surgery?
Yes. This reflects an uneven inflammatory response in different areas, especially if the surgeon applied more correction on one side for balance. Typically, this condition resolves and achieves symmetry within 2 to 3 weeks.
How Long Does It Take for a Facelift to Look Natural Again?
The procedure involves deep intervention to restore the supporting muscle groups and address the root causes of aging. Therefore, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for wounds to stabilize and heal naturally.
How Long After a Facelift Can One Swim?
It generally takes about 2 to 4 weeks post-facelift before it is safe to submerge the face in water and swim. However, it is essential to strictly follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative care instructions, as individual recovery times may vary.
How Long After a Facelift Can One Resume Sports?
Typically, a recovery period of 2 to 4 weeks is required for the skin to heal adequately after a facelift. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual cases and your surgeon’s recommendations. Once fully recovered, you may return to sports activities, but it is advisable to consult your physician before resuming strenuous exercise.
Is It Possible to Smile and Eat Normally After Surgery?
It is recommended to avoid excessive smiling, loud talking, or chewing hard foods during the first 1 to 2 weeks to prevent tension on the incision sites.
Consume soft, easy-to-swallow foods and avoid opening the mouth too wide.
Gangwhoo Hospital in Vietnam
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International Clients Trust and Choose Gangwhoo
Let’s see what they say about Gangwhoo!
“
The beauty service here is really good. I found Vietnamese people to be very enthusiastic. The doctor gave me great consultation and care. Not to mention, the cost is much lower than in Germany.”
Mrs.Flowers – Germany
“
The technology here and Dr. Cuong’s techniques are just as good as those in my country, but the cost is much lower. That’s why I decided to come to Vietnam—not only for aesthetics but also for relaxation.”
Mr.Bains – UAE
“
I have a friend in Australia who had a beauty treatment in Vietnam and recommended Dr. Cuong to me. I noticed a clear transformation in my friend. Since the cost is also much lower than in Australia, I had no hesitation about coming to Vietnam for cosmetic procedures.”
Mr.Arthur – Australia
“
I happened to see an ad on Facebook and learned about Dr. Cuong. I was very impressed by his technique—the difference in the patients before and after was striking. I got curious and messaged for more info. The consultation was very enthusiastic and thorough, so I decided to put my trust in them and come to Vietnam for beauty treatments.”
Mrs.White – Australia
“
Cosmetic procedures in the U.S. are very expensive. However, here the cost is only about 30%, yet the technology and facilities are not inferior. So I booked a flight to Vietnam for aesthetics.”
Mr.Oliver – USA
“
I came to Vietnam for travel, and suddenly I saw an ad for Dr. Cuong. I noticed many international clients coming here for services, so I decided to give it a try. The doctor seemed very professional, so I went ahead with the treatment.”
Mr.Steven – England
“
I’ve always been fascinated by Vietnam’s history and culture. One day, I came across a Facebook ad about Dr. Cuong and was impressed by his aesthetic technique and the reasonable cost. I decided to come to Vietnam for beauty treatments and travel at the same time.”
Mrs.Butler – Australia
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Top-Tier, Modern Technological Equipment
Surgical Room
Fully meets the safety standards set by the Ministry of Health. Completely sterile and fully equipped with medical instruments and devices.
Disinfection Robot
Installed in the surgical room, it moves around and sprays disinfectant to ensure a sterile environment.
AI-Powered CT Imaging
Helps doctors clearly analyze facial structures to develop accurate aesthetic plans.
3D Simulation Technology
Allows customers to visualize their post-procedure appearance, helping them make informed decisions.
4K Endoscopy Technology
Minimizes invasiveness, improves surgical precision, and reduces damage to surrounding tissues.
Harmonic Surgical Scalpel
An ultrasonic scalpel that causes minimal tissue trauma, reducing injury with high precision.
AESCULAP Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel
Designed for bone cutting without affecting soft tissues, significantly reducing swelling and bruising after surgery.
Plasma Technology
Helps eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, minimize swelling and bruising after cosmetic procedures, and accelerates wound healing.
Internal Medicine Equipment
Modern, high-tech equipment that meets all the needs of customers seeking non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS AT KOREAN GANGWHOO COSMETIC HOSPITAL
Giáo Sư – Bác Sĩ Hàn Quốc – Ông hiên đang là cố vấn chuyên môn tại Gangwhoo
GS – BS Park Sung Yong
Doctors at the international conferences on plastic surgery
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