After almost a year of investigating different cosmetic procedures, I have finally decided that I would like a facelift. I am planning it during my two week vacation from work. I am also not going to tell anyone except my best friend that I am getting it done. Will the bruising be completely gone by two weeks? Should I take another week’s vacation so that no one can tell that I have had a face lift?

In the Feb 2011 edition of the journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, an outcomes study demonstrated that most patients who undergo a facelift feel comfortable returning to work 2-3 weeks after the procedure. There are a variety of issues that may impact your swelling and bruising after surgery. For example, avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen 10 days before surgery may decrease risk of bruising. As well, it is important to make sure your blood pressure is normal as high blood pressure increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. If bruising is present 10 days after the surgery, we can apply make-up to conceal this bruising.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.