Deciding to have a deep plane facelift is only the first step of your cosmetic journey. Next, you’ll begin to explore all the surgical details and what you can expect during recovery. So, how will the first week after a deep plane facelift look?
At Sarasota Surgical Arts, we’ve guided countless patients through their facelift procedures and can tell you that proper preparation can make all the difference. Let’s look at what you can generally expect at the one-week post-op mark (including scar appearance, swelling, and day-to-day comfort) so you can feel informed and confident as you heal.
What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift deals with sagging skin and muscles at a deeper level than a traditional facelift. By repositioning tissue and releasing specific ligaments, this technique can create a more natural-looking lift while preserving your facial expressions.
If you’ve just had your surgery (or you’re gearing up for it), keep in mind that your body is unique, which also makes your healing timeline unique. Factors like your age, overall health, and how closely you stick to post-op instructions can all influence your recovery.
At Sarasota Surgical Arts, Dr. Alberico Sessa has extensive experience performing deep plane facelifts and making sure his patients get personalized care throughout every stage of the process.
Day-by-Day Expectations in the First Week
By the time you reach one week after surgery, you’ll likely notice several things:
- Swelling & Bruising: You should expect moderate swelling and bruising around your face and neck (this is completely normal). Post-surgical swelling will likely start to fade around days 7–10, while other effects may linger. Keeping your head elevated (even while sleeping) can help minimize swelling after your deep plane facelift.
- Tightness & Discomfort: You may feel some tightness or pulling sensations, especially around the incision sites and where your muscles were adjusted. You can use over-the-counter medications or any prescription pain relief recommended by Dr. Sessa to help you manage pain during your initial recovery.
- Visible Incisions: A skilled surgeon can usually hide deep plane facelift incisions within natural folds or near your hairline. However, while you’re still healing, you may still see thin, pinkish lines at this stage. These scars should start to fade over time. We’ll give you specific post-op instructions on how to care for your incision sites, including when you can gently wash your face and which skincare products to avoid.
Caring for Your Scars at One Week
When you reach a week post-op, your incisions are still in the early stages of healing. You may notice scabbing, slight redness, or some itching, which are all normal signs of recovery. Here’s how you can support healthy scar formation:
- Keep Your Incisions Clean & Moisturized: Follow all of Dr. Sessa’s recommendations for cleaning and moisturizing your incisions/scars. You should use a mild soap or an antibiotic ointment if Dr. Sessa prescribes one.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Scar tissue is more sensitive to UV light. If you have to be outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and (if you get approval from Dr. Sessa) use a gentle sunscreen.
- Resist the Urge to Pick: If you see scabbing or dry patches, try not to scratch or pick at them. Let them fall off naturally to reduce the risk of infection and scarring.
Tips for a Smooth Deep Plance Facelift Recovery
We always tell our patients that rest and healthy habits can make a world of difference during this first week. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet. Gentle walks can help improve circulation (just make sure to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting).
It’s also helpful to have a support system, whether that’s family, friends, or a dedicated caretaker. This is especially crucial during your initial healing phase, when you may experience fatigue or need help with daily tasks.
Discover More Deep Plane Facelift Healing Tips at Sarasota Surgical Arts
Your one-week post-op experience is just the beginning of your deep plane facelift results. With proper care and patience, you’ll continue to see improvement over the coming weeks and months, and a final outcome that many patients think is well worth the wait!
At Sarasota Surgical Arts, our team will walk you through each step of the process to make sure you have the information and support you need to feel confident during your deep plane facelift journey. To book a consultation with Dr. Sessa, give us a call at (941) 923-1736.
