After care

Below you will find our detailed and professional overview of the postoperative care program following your deep plane facelift. It includes the follow-up schedule, medical explanations of the applied treatments (red-light therapy and Fotona laser), and information about manual lymphatic drainage: when it can begin and what you can expect.

Postoperative Follow-Up Schedule 

After your surgery date has been confirmed, you will receive a finalized appointment schedule. All follow-ups take place primarily at Engage Clinic. For any questions, you can always contact our patient coordinator, Joa, at +32 471 73 14 65.

1. 3–4 days after surgery

• Removal of the netting.
• Professional wound cleaning and inspection of incision sites.
• First session of red-light therapy to support wound healing and reduce swelling.

2. 1 week after surgery

• Removal of (some) sutures: brow reset (if applicable) and upper eyelids (if applicable).
• Possible removal of sutures at the lipofilling donor sites (legs) and partial removal of stitches near the ears, depending on wound healing.
• Wound cleaning and renewed instructions regarding aftercare cream and skincare.
• Second session of red-light therapy.

3. 2 weeks after surgery

• Removal of remaining sutures around the ears and half of the stitches behind the ears.
• Wound cleaning and inspection.

4. 3 weeks after surgery

• Removal of all remaining sutures behind the ears. This is normally the final suture removal session.

5. 6 weeks after surgery

• Start of the first scar correction treatment with our Fotona laser (light- and heat-based therapy aimed at scar remodeling).

6. 12 weeks after surgery

• Second Fotona laser session for further improvement of scar appearance and skin quality.

All these sessions are adjusted to your individual healing process; Dr. O. Beckers may modify the timing if medically necessary.

Red-Light Therapy

Red-light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, uses visible red or near-infrared light (typically wavelengths between 630–850 nm). It is a non-invasive, painless treatment in which light energy is absorbed by the skin, influencing cellular processes.

Mechanism of Action (Medically Supported)

• Light is absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores (such as cytochrome c oxidase).
• This increases cellular ATP production, improves cell metabolism, and promotes tissue repair.
• It reduces inflammatory mediators and stimulates angiogenesis (formation of small blood vessels), accelerating wound healing.
• It can reduce swelling and pain by improving microcirculation and lymphatic drainage.

Indications after a Facelift

• Accelerates wound healing.
• Reduces postoperative swelling and bruising.
• Diminishes pain and enhances skin recovery.
• Supports scar healing (mainly as an adjunct therapy).

Expectations and Safety

• Each session lasts about 30 minutes.
• When properly applied, side effects are rare; temporary redness or warmth may occur.

Fotona Laser

Fotona is a medical laser system combining multiple wavelengths and treatment modes (including erbium:YAG and neodymium:YAG). It offers both ablative (superficial resurfacing) and non-ablative deep-thermal treatments to remodel scar tissue and improve the surrounding skin quality.

Mechanisms Relevant to Scar Treatment

• Fractional ablative effects (controlled removal of parts of the epidermis) stimulate skin renewal and collagen remodeling.
• Er:YAG energy allows precise, superficial ablation to smooth raised scar tissue.
• Nd:YAG energy penetrates deeper layers, delivering thermal stimulation for collagen production without damaging the epidermis.
• Combined protocols gradually replace contracted scar tissue with healthy collagen, improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity.

Why It’s Used in Facelift Aftercare

• Targets reduction of scar visibility and thickness.
• Improves skin elasticity and tone around incision sites.
• Allows for gradual, stepwise treatment (multiple sessions at intervals) for optimal results and minimal downtime.

Treatment Course and Possible Side Effects

• Usually multiple sessions (two or more) spaced several weeks apart (typically at 6 and 12 weeks, adjustments possible).
• After treatment, temporary redness, swelling, or flaking may occur. Post-treatment care is essential (gentle cleansing, sun protection, healing creams if prescribed).
• Risks include temporary pigment changes, infection, or delayed healing if aftercare instructions are not followed. Treatments are always performed under professional supervision.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialized, gentle massage technique that stimulates venous and lymphatic flow, reducing swelling and tension while promoting healing.

Recommended Timing after a Facelift

• To be started only on indication and after consultation with Dr. Beckers.

What Happens During the Session

• Joa uses gentle, rhythmic, pumping movements directed along lymphatic pathways of the face and neck.
• The session is painless and usually lasts between 20–45 minutes, depending on your condition.
• The focus begins on the proximal areas (near larger lymph nodes) and then shifts toward the incision and swollen zones.

Benefits and Safety

• Faster reduction of swelling and bruising.
• Improved comfort and relief of tightness or pressure sensations.