In our previous post we talked a little bit about the basics of facelift surgery. We mentioned that a facelift can help you turn back the hands of time, give you a better and more youthful look, not just on your face, but also on your neck. We’ve also mentioned what can you expect during the different stages of the recovery process.
In order to have a successful recover after every surgical procedure, including facelift too, you need to have proper sleep and to be well-rested. So let’s focus on what are the best ways you can sleep during your recovery that will provide both good quality sleep and also ensure the best possible results of the procedure.
Sleeping positions after facelift
Every type of procedure can be exhausting in its own way. A facelift is no different. But before you get comfy in your bed, there are a few key things you should know first.
After facelift surgery, the best sleeping position would be on your back and with your head slightly elevated. Now we understand that not many patients usually sleep this way. There are those that are used to sleeping on their tummy or on their side and a sudden change in their sleeping routine won’t be pleasant or comfortable.
So a few weeks before you have your surgery, we highly recommend that you practice sleeping on your back. This should create new habits that your body will be used to and sleeping during recovery won’t be as difficult.
Every other sleeping positions like sleeping on your side or on your tummy should be avoided at least during the first few weeks after facelift surgery. After the procedure, your face will be pretty swollen and to goal is to reduce that swelling. By lying on your side or tummy, you risk of putting extra pressure on your face and causing even more swelling. The tissue won’t be able to heal as good as fast.
During sleep, people tend to toss and turn. It’s completely normal. But in order to avoid turning on your side (or tummy) you need to make sure that your body stays in the same position (on your back) while you sleep. You can achieve this by using recliners. They might be a costly investment, if you don’t have one already but it’s worth it.
If you’re not keen on spending on a new recliner, you can achieve the same effect with extra pillows. So you can put some pillows beneath your head to keep your chin extended and elevated and you can also fully box yourself in with pillows underneath your arms. This way there’s less chance that you will roll over during the night.
Sleeping on your back is not only beneficial for facelift patients. Doctors in different specialties agree that sleeping on your back is the best sleeping position you can adopt. It can help you relive back pain, you will be able to sleep better and breathe better.
Tips on sleeping comfortably after a facelift
There are a lot of things that can prevent you from having a good night sleep after your facelift procedure such as anxiety, swelling, pain, adjusting to your new sleeping routine and so on. But remember, sleeping is essential for good recovery after facial rejuvenation so we recommend that you follow these steps in order to sleep better:
Be prepared
Before you go to your cosmetic surgeon to have the procedure, make sure that you have the most important things in your life prepared and wrapped up. You could clean the house, prepare some meals for yourself and tie up loose ends from work before you take time off. You will be spending a lot of time in your bed, recovering so you can also keep your headphones, phone charge and medication closer to your bed.
Don’t stress
After every cosmetic surgery, including facelift, you will look worse than before. But it will get better over time. The bruising and swelling after surgery is normal so don’t let that stress you out or trouble you. Understand that this is completely normal and in time, those bruises will heal, the swelling will subside and you’ll look better than before. Your look right after the surgery is not the look you will be stuck with once the recovery period ends.
Mange your swelling for better sleep
You will feel the most discomfort due to swelling when you’re trying to sleep. To help bring the swelling down, you can put cold compresses on your face in 30 second intervals, for 15 minutes. This will not only reduce the swelling and inflammation, but it can also help you speed up the recovery process. However, don’t use ice packs. Instead used a wet cloth in ice water.
Staying active after facelift is beneficial for you
We always recommend that patients refrain from any strenuous activity during the first few weeks after their facelift procedure. But you’re not bedridden, so feel free to get up and move around. In fact, we highly encourage you to do so. This will improve your mood, blood circulation and you will sleep better at night. Make sure that you cut out (or at least cut back) on caffeine-rich products such as coffee, espresso, energy drinks and so on.
Staying clean
We highly advise that you don’t touch your face after facelift until you’re advised otherwise. We understand that not having a clean face might bother someone so you could use a clean damp cloth to clean your face, but make sure that you do it VERY gently. And if there are things you cannot do on your own, make sure that you have people around you that you can rely on (family member, friend, partner etc.)
