What to Expect & How to Sleep After Your Facelift Procedure
If you are considering undergoing a facelift surgery, you should know that there are strict rules about sleeping after the procedure. While finding the perfect pillow arrangement is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Think of it this way: to recover well, you need to give your body the best possible chance to heal – and that means quality sleep.
Setting the Stage for a Good Sleep after Your Facelift
Getting a good night’s sleep is always important, but it becomes even more crucial after a facelift. While you might be focused on the procedure itself, taking some time to prepare for post-surgery sleep can make a world of difference in your recovery and overall experience.
Creating Your Sleep Sanctuary
Think of your bedroom as a haven for healing – a peaceful retreat where your body can focus on recovery. Here’s how to create the ideal sleep environment:
Embrace the Darkness: Invest in blackout curtains to block out any external light. Light can disrupt your body’s natural melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Optimise Humidity: A humidifier can be a lifesaver, especially if you tend to get a dry nose or throat. It adds moisture to the air, preventing dryness and irritation which can interfere with sleep.
Introduce Calming Scents: Lavender is well-known for its relaxing properties. Consider a diffuser with essential oils or a lavender pillow spray to create a soothing atmosphere.
Think About Temperature: Most people sleep best in a slightly cool room (around 18-20 degrees Celsius). Experiment to find the temperature that feels most comfortable for you.
Setting Your Body Clock
One of the simplest yet most effective things you can do to prepare for post-surgery sleep is to establish a consistent sleep schedule – even weeks before your procedure. This means going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, even on weekends.
Why is this so important? Because it helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as your circadian rhythm. When your circadian rhythm is in sync, your body naturally produces melatonin at the right time, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. This is especially important after surgery, as your body needs all the help it can get to rest, repair, and recover.
Watch Dr Kernohan Explains How Old is Too Old for a Face Lift – YouTube Video Shorts
Your Post-Facelift Sleep System
You’ve prepped your bedroom and established a good sleep routine – now let’s talk about the physical aspects of sleeping after your facelift. While finding the right pillow is essential, it’s only one part of a complete sleep system designed to maximise your comfort and healing.
The Elevated Sleep Position
Dr Kernohan will advise you to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few weeks after surgery. This might sound a bit uncomfortable at first, but it’s important for several reasons:
Minimising Pressure on Incisions: Sleeping on your back takes the pressure off your face, particularly the delicate areas around your incisions. This helps reduce discomfort and allows the incisions to heal properly without any unnecessary irritation.
Promoting Fluid Drainage: Elevating your head helps drain excess fluid away from your face, minimising swelling and bruising. Think of it like encouraging gravity to do its job!
Preventing Facial Distortion: Sleeping on your side, even for short periods, can put pressure on one side of your face. In the early stages of healing, this pressure can potentially impact the final results of your facelift.
Pillows
A wedge pillow is often recommended after a facelift, as it helps maintain the elevated head position throughout the night. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with other pillows to find what works best for you:
Neck Pillow: A neck pillow provides additional support for your head and neck, helping to maintain proper alignment and prevent stiffness.
Body Pillow: If you’re someone who tends to toss and turn, a body pillow can be a lifesaver. Place it alongside your body to prevent yourself from rolling onto your side during the night.
Small Pillow Under Your Knees: Sleeping with your head elevated can sometimes put a bit of strain on your lower back. Placing a small pillow under your knees can help alleviate this discomfort and promote proper spinal alignment.
Soothing Your Skin While You Sleep
Cooling and compression techniques are often recommended after a facelift to help manage swelling and discomfort. These techniques can also help improve your sleep quality by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Cooling Gel Masks: These masks can be chilled in the fridge and then worn over your eyes and face to provide soothing relief. The coolness helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and minimising discomfort.
Gentle Compression Wraps: Dr Kernohan may recommend a specialised compression garment or wrap designed for post-facelift recovery. These garments provide gentle pressure, helping to control swelling and support the healing tissues.
Tips for a Good Sleep after Your Facelift
You’ve created the perfect sleep environment and mastered the art of post-facelift pillow arrangements – but what about the mental side of sleep? It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious or restless after surgery, which can make it tricky to drift off. Here are a few tips to help calm your mind and promote restful sleep.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your sleep, especially when you’re recovering from surgery. Mindfulness and meditation techniques can be incredibly helpful in calming racing thoughts and promoting relaxation.
Guided Meditation Apps: There are many apps available that offer guided meditations specifically designed for sleep, relaxation, and even post-surgery recovery. These guided sessions can help you focus on your breath, release tension, and quiet your mind.
Calming Breathing Exercises: Even a few minutes of deep, conscious breathing can make a world of difference. Try inhaling slowly and deeply through your nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.
The Power of Distraction
Sometimes, the best way to quiet your mind is to simply shift your focus away from any worries or anxieties. Engaging in relaxing activities before bed can help ease your mind and prepare you for sleep.
Lose Yourself in an Audiobook: Listening to a calming audiobook can be a great way to unwind before bed. Choose a genre you enjoy, but avoid anything too stimulating or suspenseful.
Gentle Stretching: Light stretching can help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Focus on gentle movements that target your neck, shoulders, and back, but avoid any stretches that put strain on your face.
Calming Hobbies: Engaging in a calming hobby, such as knitting, colouring, or listening to soothing music, can help take your mind off any worries and lull you into a relaxed state.
Nutrition & Hydration
What you eat and drink, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, can have a significant impact on your sleep quality.
Light & Early Dinners: Aim to finish your dinner a few hours before bed to give your body ample time to digest. Opt for light, easily digestible meals that won’t weigh you down or cause indigestion.
Herbal Allies: Certain herbal teas are known for their calming and sleep-promoting properties. Consider a soothing cup of chamomile, lavender, or valerian root tea before bed.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Facelift Surgery Guide
Guide Facelift Surgery
Potential Sleep Challenges after Your Facelift
You’ve diligently followed all the advice – prepped your sleep sanctuary, mastered the elevated sleep position, and even explored the world of calming teas – but you’re still struggling to get a good night’s sleep. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal to experience some sleep challenges after a facelift. Here’s a look at some common concerns and how to address them:
Insomnia
If you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, try these tips:
Stick to a Consistent Routine: Even if you’re not feeling tired, go to bed and wake up around the same time each day to regulate your body clock.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Take a warm bath, read a book, or listen to calming music to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Avoid Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with melatonin production. Aim for at least an hour of screen-free time before bed.
Discomfort
Post-surgery discomfort can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleep position. Here are a few things to try:
Adjust Your Pillows: Experiment with different pillow arrangements to find what provides the most support and comfort.
Apply Ice Packs: If Dr Kernohan has given you the okay, apply ice packs to swollen areas to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Talk to Dr Kernohan about taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to manage discomfort.
Anxiety: It’s normal to feel a bit anxious after surgery, but if anxiety is interfering with your sleep, consider these strategies:
Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep, slow breaths to help calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness Meditation: Use a guided meditation app or practice mindfulness techniques to focus on the present moment and let go of anxious thoughts.
Talk to Your Surgeon: Remember to reach out to Dr Kernohan if you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. He can offer reassurance, address your concerns, and suggest additional coping strategies. It’s also important to discuss any complications that may arise and how to address them, as outlined in Complications in Facelift Surgery and How to Address Them.
Watch Dr Kernohan Explains the Common Misconceptions About Facelift Surgery – YouTube Videos
FAQs about How to Sleep after a Facelift
How long will I need to sleep elevated after my facelift?
Dr Kernohan recommends sleeping on your back with your head elevated for at least two weeks after a facelift. However, the exact duration can vary depending on the extent of your surgery and your individual healing progress.
Can I use a CPAP machine after a facelift?
If you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea, discuss its use with your surgeon before your facelift. You may need to adjust the mask positioning or use a special pillow designed for post-facelift recovery to accommodate the machine while protecting your incisions.
When can I wash my hair after a facelift, and how does this affect my sleep?
Dr Kernohan will advise you on when it’s safe to wash your hair after surgery. Initially, you may need to avoid getting your incisions wet. Once cleared for hair washing, consider doing it earlier in the day so your hair has ample time to dry before bedtime. Wet hair can feel cold and uncomfortable, potentially disrupting your sleep.
I’m experiencing jaw pain when I wake up. Is this normal?
Some jaw stiffness or soreness is common after a facelift, especially if Dr Kernohan tightened muscles around your jawline. Sleeping with your head elevated can sometimes exacerbate this by putting extra strain on your jaw muscles. Gentle jaw exercises, warm compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, consult with Dr Kernohan to rule out any complications.
I’m feeling self-conscious about asking for help with sleep. What should I do?
Remember to reach out to your support network for assistance. Let your loved ones know how they can help, whether it’s preparing calming bedtime rituals, assisting with household tasks to minimise your workload, or simply offering a listening ear if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can contribute significantly to a smoother recovery.
Further Reading about Facelift with Dr Michael Kernohan
Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast
Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, fully qualified in both Australia and the UK. He has had extensive training, holding qualifications in both dentistry and medicine. His training path has taken him around the world acquiring skills from some of the world’s best surgeons.