A facelift is an impactful surgery that produces dramatic results for a younger-looking version of yourself. For all the good that can come with a well-executed facelift—less sagging skin, fewer wrinkles, a better-defined neck and jawline, and a renewed sense of self—there’s still plenty of attention that needs to be placed on a facelift recovery time. While you will be out of commission for a few weeks as you heal post-surgery, the downtime is well worth it.
What to Expect in the First Week After Surgery
The facelift recovery time is a week-by-week process. In the first few days following a facelift, you’ll begin to feel more like yourself. However, it’s important to avoid overexerting yourself, as this can impact the overall healing process.
While you may feel a little tired, sore, slightly bruised, and swollen immediately after you wake up from a facelift, the initial stages of recovery will start to set in from this point out. On day one, getting plenty of rest and taking it easy is essential. Make yourself comfortable at home with clean sheets and pillows to prop your head up. You may be given some pain medication to help manage any discomfort, which is minimal. Make sure to follow all instructions from your surgeon.
Over the next few days, you may notice more swelling, which is normal and a sign that you are healing healthily. The swelling may come with minimal discomfort and a slight tight feeling. Getting plenty of rest and staying well hydrated is essential at this stage of the facelift recovery.
Throughout week one, the swelling, bruising, and any discomfort or soreness will start to subside, and the results are far from noticeable. The skin may feel numb in some areas, and any bumps and lumps will settle as the healing process continues. You will still have your stitches in place until they are ready to be removed.
How to Best Manage Swelling, Bruising, and Discomfort
It’s normal to experience facial swelling, bruising, and discomfort after a facelift. The proper aftercare protocol can minimize these side effects so they subside faster, for an easier and more comfortable facelift recovery.
- Follow all post-op instructions given to you by your surgeon
During your consultation and before your surgery, you will be given a detailed list of post-surgery instructions to prevent any adverse effects and complications. The instructions will include details on how to wash your face, care for your incisions, when to take any medications, and general healing recommendations. Following these instructions is vital to ensure healthy healing.
- Get plenty of rest and take it easy
A facelift is a serious surgery, and giving your body the time it needs to recuperate is crucial for healthy healing and optimal results. Before you head in for surgery, set up a comfortable space in your home so that you can relax and rest. Make sure the room has plenty of comfortable pillows and blankets, water, and anything else you may need. We also recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep per night and taking naps during facelift recovery time. Sufficient rest aids in recovery and helps reduce swelling.
- Drink plenty of water
It is important to drink plenty of water as you recover. Staying well hydrated helps the body eliminate excess fluid trapped within the tissues. Try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you.
- Follow a healthy diet
While it may be hard to chew foods at first during facelift recovery time, eating a clean and healthy diet is still important. Low-salt foods are best to prevent swelling. You will also want to avoid anything processed and high in fat.
- Apply ice packs and cold compresses
Applying cold compresses and ice packs wrapped in soft cloths to areas where bruising, swelling, and discomfort persist can help improve the condition as cold decreases inflammation and constricts blood vessels.
- Keep your head elevated
Sleeping and resting with your head elevated on multiple pillows will help reduce swelling and allow it to alleviate faster.
Tips to Follow for a Smooth Recovery Process
To ensure a healthy recovery from your facelift, which will lead to better results in the long term, make sure to follow all your surgeon’s instructions. It is essential to rest when you get tired and get a good night’s sleep each night. Slowly integrate your everyday activities into your life once you are given the green light. Don’t take on too much yourself; ask for help when needed. Light walks around the house are important to get your blood flowing, but you’ll want to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity, which could delay your facelift recovery time.
Taking care of your mental health during this time is equally crucial as following all the physical instructions. For some patients, the recovery process is more taxing on them emotionally, so it’s important to hold space for all the feelings you may experience. Talk to friends and family and seek support when necessary.
When You’ll See Final Results
The final results of a facelift take time to fully reveal, as swelling from the surgery gradually subsides during the healing process. While you’ll notice improvements in your neck fairly early on, the full, settled results in the face typically become visible around three to six months after the procedure.
Commonly Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
Facelift recovery is a gradual, multi-step process that should be approached with patience. Plan for a minimum of two weeks of focused recovery to allow your body to heal properly.
- What can I expect during the first week of facelift recovery?
It is normal and expected to be swollen and bruised during the first week of your facelift recovery. Your face may also feel tight, and the skin can experience numbness.
- When can I return to work and normal activities after a facelift?
Most patients can return to work and normal activities after about two weeks, although some may need longer.
- How can I reduce swelling and bruising after facelift surgery?
One of the best ways to reduce post-facelift swelling and bruising is by applying ice packs (wrapped in soft cloths) to the face. You can also support your recovery by taking arnica and bromelain supplements, and by sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- When will I see the full results of my facelift?
The results of a facelift take time to settle in. Most patients start to see the initial impact of the surgery as early as four to six weeks, but it generally takes up to six months to see the final result.