Understanding your recovery guidelines before getting a facelift can help you to better prepare and ultimately see better results. Many people often ask, “When can I sleep on my side after a facelift?” While you should follow your plastic surgeon’s specific instructions, here are general answers to two common facelift recovery questions.*
Avoid Sleeping on Your Side for Several Weeks
After your facelift, it’s best to sleep on your back with your head elevated at around a 30-degree angle for the first few weeks of recovery. Keeping your head elevated should help to reduce swelling and the risk of other complications cropping up during your facelift recovery.*
Sleeping on your back can also help decrease the chances that you will accidently pull stitches out in your sleep. This sleeping position will also probably be the most comfortable for you while you heal, and you’ll want to try to get good quality sleep to help your body recuperate.*
Always follow your plastic surgeon’s specific recovery instructions. If you’re not sure of something, just ask.
What about Makeup and Skincare Products?
Another common facelift question that usually goes hand-in-hand with sleeping arrangements is, “When is it okay to start using topical skincare and cosmetic products?” As a general rule of thumb, do not apply any products to or near your incisions until you get the go-ahead from your plastic surgeon.
While some skincare products may help with the healing process and improve your facelift results, use these only as (and when!) directed by your plastic surgeon.*
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
