Case #1792 · New York, NY
Facelift
Drag the handle to compare. Click anywhere to jump.
Additional views
This 50-year-old patient from New York, NY desired a firmer, tighter face and wanted to address her sagging jowls. Dr. Cassileth performed a facelift and she is loving her new results.
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
Cosmeceutical actives held until week 3; full program returns by the start of 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.
- Wedge pillow or recliner for the first 7 nights. Low-sodium, easy-chew meals reduce both swelling and effort in the first few days.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Cold compresses, head elevated, low-talking the first 72 hours. Most bruising peaks at day 3 and starts to soften by day 5.
- 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
Residual swelling continues to refine. Most patients return to normal social and work life; light cardio begins.
- Week 6
The "back to normal" week for most patients. Final compression schedule transitions to optional.
- Month 3
Tissue settles into final position. Subtle technique details (jawline definition, tip refinement) become visible now.
