October 14, 2025 | Facelift
7 minute read
Once you’ve completed your consultation and scheduled your facelift, attention naturally turns to the recovery process. Recovery is a critical part of facelift surgery, representing the period when healing occurs, swelling resolves, and surgical results gradually take shape.
Facelift recovery varies depending on several factors, including the surgical technique used (such as SMAS plication or Extended Deep Plane approaches), the scope of surgery, and each patient’s individual healing response. Understanding the stages of recovery helps patients plan appropriately, manage expectations, and navigate healing with greater confidence.
In this blog, we’ll outline what to expect during facelift recovery, including typical timelines, common sensations, and practical tips to support healing.
For patients interested in a more detailed discussion of recovery considerations specific to deeper structural techniques, you can also explore our Extended Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Guide for a more focused timeline and expectations.
How Long Does Recovery Take After a Facelift?
Most patients plan for about two weeks of initial downtime. Many return to light, non-strenuous activities and work within two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first 2–4 days after surgery and gradually improve thereafter. By two to three weeks, most visible swelling and bruising have diminished significantly, and many patients feel comfortable resuming social activities.
While patients often look and feel substantially improved within the first month, facelift healing continues for several months. Subtle refinement occurs as tissues settle into their new position, contributing to a natural, long-term result.
Week-by-Week Facelift Recovery Guide
Week 1
The first week after a facelift represents the most intensive phase of recovery. Swelling and bruising typically peak around postoperative days two to three, and patients often describe a sensation of tightness or fullness in the face and neck.
A compressive dressing is placed initially to provide support and gentle compression. After the first couple of days, patients transition to a facial sling, which is worn continuously for the remainder of the first week to help minimize swelling and support healing tissues.
During this period:
- Driving is typically avoided during the first week to limit neck movement and ensure safety while swelling and stiffness are present.
- Patients are encouraged to turn at the waist rather than rotating the neck
- Sleeping on your back with your head above heart level is essential
Makeup can often be applied a few days after surgery, avoiding direct contact with incision sites. Showering is typically permitted after the initial postoperative hair wash performed in the office. A follow-up visit at one week allows the surgeon to assess healing progress.
Weeks 2–3
By weeks two to three, swelling continues to improve, and bruising (if present) begins to fade. The facial sling is generally worn only at night during this phase.
Patients often feel more comfortable resuming light activities and short outings. Sleep should continue on the back with the head elevated, though less elevation is typically required compared to the first week. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that significantly raise heart rate should still be avoided.
A follow-up visit around two weeks provides an opportunity to monitor healing and adjust activity guidance as appropriate.
Weeks 4–6
By this stage, the majority of visible swelling has resolved, and facial contours appear more refined. Mild tightness, numbness, or firmness may persist but typically continues to improve.
Many patients return fully to work and social engagements during this period. Light exercise may be gradually reintroduced as tolerated, while high-intensity or impact activities are usually delayed until after six weeks, depending on healing progress and surgeon guidance.
Months 2–4
Residual swelling continues to resolve, scars soften, and sensation gradually returns in areas of numbness. Numbness or altered sensation around the ears, jawline, and cheeks can persist for weeks or months as nerves slowly recover, and this is a common part of healing for many patients. Most patients report feeling fully largely “back to normal” during this phase, although deeper healing and tissue remodeling continue for several additional months.
Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Facelift Recovery
Following post-operative instructions closely is the most important factor in a smooth recovery. During facelift recovery, patients are typically advised to:
Sleep with the head elevated while keeping the neck in a neutral position
Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by the surgeon
Stay well-hydrated and consume a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables
Limit salt intake to help reduce swelling
Protect healing skin and incisions from sun exposure using broad-spectrum sunscreen
Tips for Supporting Healing During Recovery
While recovery should never be rushed, some patients choose supportive measures to help optimize healing, including:
- Cold compresses during the early postoperative period
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in select cases
- Light-based therapies to address residual redness or bruising, when appropriate
- Stress reduction
- Maintain adequate sleep
All supportive therapies should be discussed with the surgical team to ensure appropriate timing and safety.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery in Houston
Facelift recovery is a gradual process, but understanding what to expect can make the experience far less stressful. Preparation, realistic expectations, and adherence to post-operative guidance all contribute to a smoother recovery and optimal long-term results.
To learn more about facelift surgery at Facial Plastic Surgery Associates or to schedule a consultation, call (713) 526-5665 or complete our online request form.
For patients seeking additional detail on recovery considerations specific to deeper structural techniques, we invite you to review our Extended Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Guide.
Facelift Recovery FAQs
Most patients plan for approximately two weeks of initial downtime after facelift surgery. During this time, swelling and bruising improve steadily. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities within three to four weeks, while subtle healing and refinement continue for several months.
Facelift recovery is generally described as discomfort rather than severe pain. Common sensations include tightness, pressure, and soreness related to swelling and tissue repositioning. Severe pain is uncommon and is typically well controlled with prescribed or non-opioid medications and supportive measures.
Many patients return to non-strenuous work within two to three weeks, depending on their job requirements and comfort level. Jobs involving physical exertion or prolonged standing may require additional recovery time. Your surgeon will provide individualized guidance based on healing progress.
Swelling typically peaks within the first 2 to 4 days after surgery and gradually improves over the following weeks. Most visible swelling resolves within the first month, though subtle swelling may persist for several months and continues to improve as healing progresses.
Light walking is encouraged early in recovery. Light exercise is often reintroduced gradually after two weeks, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that significantly raise heart rate are usually avoided for approximately six weeks.
Most patients begin to look and feel more like themselves within four to six weeks after surgery. Final results continue to refine over several months as swelling fully resolves, incisions mature, and tissues settle into their new position.
No. Facelift recovery varies based on individual anatomy, healing response, surgical technique, and adherence to post-operative instructions. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance throughout recovery to ensure safe healing and optimal results.
