Case #1781 · Los Angeles, CA
Facelift
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This 55-year-old patient from Los Angeles, CA desired a fix for her sagging lower face. Dr. Cassileth performed a facelift and she loves her younger appearance.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Facelift.
- Head elevated on 2–3 pillows for the first 2 weeks
- Cold compresses for the first 72 hours to reduce swelling
- No vigorous activity for 3 weeks, no heavy lifting for 6 weeks
- Drains typically removed at day 1–2; sutures at day 5–7
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support healing when recommended
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on incisions around and behind the ears
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic on incision lines after week 2
- SPF 50+ on the entire face for life — sun protection preserves the result
- LED light therapy weekly for the first 8 weeks
- Lymphatic drainage starting week 2
- Laser or microneedling along the incisions after 3 months
- Skincare
Medical-grade skincare reintroduced at week 3, gentle retinoid alternative first, full actives by month 2.
Active skincare resumes on a healing-friendly ramp after facial surgery.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- Set up an elevated sleeping arrangement, extra pillows or a wedge, to keep the head above the heart for the first week. Stock soft, low-sodium foods.
- Confirm a driver for surgery day and a companion who can stay through the first night.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
First week is rest, elevation, and ice. Expect the most swelling on day 3, then a steady downhill from day 5 onward.
- Week 2
Visible bruising is mostly resolved by day 10. Sutures out by day 7. Patients return to indoor activities, low-impact only.
- Week 4
Facial contour 70–80 percent settled. Light cardio, yoga, and gentle facial massage cleared by the surgical team.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
The "before/after" shape most people associate with the procedure shows itself in this window.
