You can expect considerable swelling. Your face may look quite normal when you get home, but the next day and the day after it will begin to swell. You may not recognize yourself, do not be alarmed, this will subside.
You can expect to resume regular activities in about 2 weeks. It really is specific to each individual, but the swelling is quite pronounced involving a facelift. There is bruising and of course a support garment will be worn to alleviate tissue stress and to support the healing tissues correctly.
You will notice the tightening in your facial skin and muscle structure as soon as your swelling subsides. You do not want a severe “pulled back” look that is often seen in bad facelifts. This result is not normal and looks very unnatural or overdone. Your face lift should lend alertness and vitality as in your youth. You will not look 20 or even 30 if you have a face lift at age 50, that is not the intention. However, you will agree that your appearance resembles a younger more relaxed version of you.
It is hard to say, but normally a face lift can last about 10 years. Of course, every case is customized and you will look younger regardless. This procedure cannot stop you from aging but can lessen the appearance of your general sagginess and/or lines. We turn back the clock, not stop it.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
As with any surgical procedure some scarring should be expected. Although the scarring associated with blepharoplasty is quite minimal and practically non-existent after several months. The scars are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids so that when the eyes are open the scars are invisible. With lower blepharoplasty, where the fat is to be removed only with no skin excision, the incision can be made either on the inside of the eyelid or right under the lash line.
A blepharoplasty is not designed to remove the wrinkles (i.e. sagging brows and Crow’s feet) from the eye area. It is designed to remove the excess skin and herniated fat from the lid areas only. There are other procedures available that are area-specific to these complaints. Chemical Peels & Laser Treatments can help soften peri-ocular (around the eye) wrinkles significantly. Please consult with Dr. Conkright to determine your exact needs.
After the swelling goes down you will be able to see a definite difference with the amount of over hang in the upper eye area if you had an upper blepharoplasty. You must realize that when the procedure is over, there will be swelling that will increase over the next few weeks. This is due to fluids pooling, especially if you are not elevated properly. There is even increased swelling in the upper or lower eye area in individuals who have not had blepharoplasty. The tissues swell with fluid retention when you are at rest. If you sleep with your head well elevated (with two pillows) this will be less apparent.
