A facelift is a procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the face, eliminating wrinkles, sagging skin and other signs of ageing. Provided it is carried out by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon, it results in a natural, younger and fresher appearance. It is one of the most frequently requested procedures at Clínica Birbe, and many patients ask us when they will be able to sleep on their side after a facelift.
The 3 main benefits of a facelift
Before discussing when you can sleep on your side again after a facelift, it is important to understand the actual aim of this procedure and what it involves. Its aim is to remove excess skin and fat from the face and neck, repositioning the underlying tissues to counteract sagging and achieve a more youthful appearance.
During the operation, the surgeon makes incisions at strategic points around the hairline and ears in order to access the deeper layers of the facial skin. Through these incisions, they reposition the tissues by tightening them and removing the excess. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures.
The benefits of a facelift extend to both the patient’s physical and emotional well-being. They go far beyond a simple cosmetic facial reshaping. Its advantages can be summarised in these three points:
- Rejuvenation. By reducing the signs of facial ageing, it gives the patient a more radiant and revitalised appearance.
- Long-lasting results. Whilst the passage of time will inevitably continue to leave its mark, the results of a facelift last for a long time. This makes it a sound long-term investment.
- Emotional wellbeing. The natural consequence of an improved appearance is a boost in self-confidence. Apart from the aesthetic benefits, a facelift has a positive effect on the patient’s emotional wellbeing. Feeling satisfied and happy with one’s appearance fosters a more positive attitude towards oneself and always translates into a better quality of life.
Post-operative care: sleeping on your side after a facelift
Following a facelift, it is common to experience some bruising, swelling and particular tenderness in the treated area. There is no need to be alarmed. The surgeon will provide the patient with detailed instructions on how to care for their skin and the most appropriate medication to manage any discomfort. To ensure an optimal recovery, it is crucial to follow their recommendations.
Apart from any personalised advice, there are some general guidelines that all patients undergoing this procedure should follow.
- Get plenty of rest. Rest is essential for speeding up recovery. In the days following the operation, daily activities should be kept to a minimum.
- Take your medication. It is vital not to miss any doses of the medication prescribed by your doctor in order to avoid discomfort, reduce it and even prevent it from occurring.
- Sleep with your head elevated. For at least the first week, you must keep your head elevated whilst sleeping. It is advisable to use two pillows instead of one. It is also important not to sleep with your face resting on one side for 15 days.
You must bear this last point very much in mind, because sleeping on your side – whether on your left or right – is counterproductive. Not only is it an uncomfortable position, but it is also harmful during the first few weeks of recovery.
The pressure exerted on the face can affect proper healing and mean that the final results are not as expected. It is therefore best to sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least the first two weeks after the operation. After this time, it is the surgeon who must assess your progress and gradually approve sleeping on your side. This usually occurs approximately four to six weeks after the operation, but may vary depending on the individual patient. It is best to follow your doctor’s instructions; they will authorise this at the appropriate time to ensure a successful recovery.
A facelift is one of the most commonly requested procedures by patients at Clínica Birbe. Contact us – we’ll provide you with all the information you need and arrange an initial consultation. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message to 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org.
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
