Facelift Recovery Guide

Are you scheduled to receive a facelift? Feeling excited about your facelift procedure is completely natural; after all, a more vibrant and youthful appearance is waiting for you when the process is complete! If you are wondering what to expect in the recovery process, our recovery guide answers your questions about what to anticipate each step of the way.

The Day of Your Procedure

Grogginess is typical when you first wake up after your facelift. Some patients have small drainage tubes for fluid that can accumulate at the procedure site. You might also have bandages applied to help minimize swelling and bruising. The medication that you are given for pain will depend on the specifics of your procedure and your needs. We will ensure that the friend or family member who drives you home is there with you while you receive your recovery period instructions.

The First Few Days after a Facelift

Discomfort in this phase of recovery is to be expected, but your pain medication can help. Because this surgery involves the manipulation of skin, muscle and fat, these types of alterations need time to heal. Bruising and swelling are normal aspects of this healing process. Having help around the house and remaining as calm as possible can be beneficial at this stage, and moderate to heavy exertion should be avoided for about another month after the procedure. Drainage tubes or stitches are likely to be removed within the first week of recovery.

One Week after a Facelift

Light exercise is typically recommended at this stage, and you may be able to reduce the amount of pain medication you are taking. You will not see the final results yet at this point, but the swelling and bruising will begin to go down. Cool compresses can be helpful with swelling, but avoid applying heat to your face and incisions. Be sure to continue following all instructions provided for your postoperative care.

Two weeks after a facelift

At this point, swelling and bruising should be reduced, though a tingling sensation is common during the healing process. Unless your job involves strenuous physical activity, you should be able to return to work. You also might be able to resume any usual medications you were asked to avoid before surgery, but be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

One month after a facelift

The recovery process is almost finished! You might still be experiencing a tingling sensation, isolated swelling, or a bit of tightness. More strenuous exercise can usually resume, but be sure to listen to your body and do not push yourself past your limits.

2+ months after a facelift

Two months after your procedure, you can typically resume all of your usual exercise and activities. Your bruising should also be significantly less noticeable or completely gone. At this stage, you can really start enjoying your rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.

Contact Us

To learn more and take the first steps in revitalizing your appearance with a facelift, contact us or call our office at 888-515-2847 to schedule a consultation. Your procedure will be conducted by one of the board-certified surgeons at Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery.