Enhanced Recovery

Welcome to our clinic, your gateway to a rejuvenating facelift experience in Kirkland. Led by Dr. Daniel Liebertz, we specialize in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. This approach ensures minimal discomfort, reduced complications, and a quicker return to your daily life.

Facelift recovery, enhanced

Post-rhytidectomy (facelift) recovery might involve discomfort and pain. Traditionally, these symptoms are managed with opioids, which can cause undesirable side effects, including confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, and breathing issues. To avoid these problems, we employ an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. This method minimizes narcotics during the facelift and utilizes non-narcotic pain relievers during recovery.

How does the ERAS protocol work?

Patients take celecoxib (an anti-inflammatory pain reliever), gabapentin (a nerve pain reliever), ondansetron (an anti-nausea medication), and acetaminophen (a central-acting pain reliever) before their facelift. For three to five days post-facelift, they continue using celecoxib, gabapentin, and acetaminophen, along with ondansetron and tramadol as needed.

Dealing with swelling, bruising, and infections

Swelling and bruising are to be expected immediately following your facelift procedure. These will gradually subside over the coming weeks. We recommend cold compresses and a light compression dressing for the first night to manage these symptoms. Keeping your head elevated for around two weeks also helps prevent excessive swelling.

Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infections during your rhytidectomy recovery. Proper care of your incisions is crucial to avoid infection risks.

Enhanced Recovery FAQ

Are there any activity restrictions during facelift recovery?

Adhering to activity restrictions is essential during your facelift recovery. These guidelines help prevent infections, trauma to incisions, and increased swelling and bruising.

How long do I need to take off from work?

Plan for approximately two weeks off work, depending on the specific facelift technique used. Resuming hair washing is permissible two days post-facelift, but makeup application should be avoided for at least ten days. Physically taxing activities should be avoided for four weeks.

What should I avoid after surgery?

Avoid steam rooms, steam face masks, or saunas during recovery. Refrain from blood thinners for at least two weeks, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vitamin E, fish oil, alcohol, and supplements containing niacin, or niacinamide.

Will I have post-facelift follow-up appointments?

Post-operative appointments are a crucial part of the facelift recovery process. Attending all required follow-up appointments with Dr. Liebertz ensures a safe and healthy recovery.

Your first follow-up appointment occurs the day after your facelift procedure. Subsequent appointments will assess healing progress and swelling reduction. These visits allow Dr. Liebertz to clear you for a return to certain activities and evaluate the full results of the facelift procedure.

Why Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay?

Choosing Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay means trusting your transformation to a team dedicated to compassionate, ethical, high-quality facial plastic surgery.

Our lead surgeon, Dr. Daniel Liebertz, brings unparalleled expertise, impressive credentials, and a wealth of experience to our practice. His accomplishments reflect our commitment to the highest standards of patient care and service. We are not just about performing procedures; we focus on creating a seamless experience for our patients and referring physicians. At Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay, we combine artistry with medical excellence to provide you with natural, beautiful results. Your journey toward renewed confidence starts here.

Learn more about facelift recovery

To learn more about facelift recovery in Bellevue, schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Liebertz by contacting Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay today.