June 06, 2025 | Facelift
8 minute read
When planning a facelift, the recovery process deserves just as much attention as the procedure itself. Recovery expectations can vary depending on the surgical approach, individual anatomy, and post-operative care.
In this blog, we’ll outline what patients can expect during recovery after an Extended Deep Plane Facelift, explain how this technique influences healing, and review the typical stages of recovery so patients can plan with clarity and confidence.
What Makes Extended Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Different?
An Extended Deep Plane Facelift is performed by working beneath the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer and releasing specific facial retaining ligaments. This allows the deeper facial tissues to be repositioned as a single unit, rather than relying on an extensive elevation of the overlying skin.
Because the lift is achieved at a deeper structural level, there is typically a more limited area of subcutaneous undermining at the end of the procedure. From a recovery standpoint, this can influence how swelling and bruising develop after surgery.
With less subcutaneous elevation, disruption of small superficial blood vessels may be reduced, which can result in less postoperative bruising and a more predictable pattern of swelling for many patients. As with any surgical procedure, the degree of swelling and bruising varies among individuals, but the surgical plane itself plays an important role in how tissues heal.
Many patients feel comfortable resuming light social activities within approximately 10 to 14 days, although recovery timelines depend on individual healing, the extent of surgery, and adherence to post-operative instructions.
Extended Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline
Dr. Delaney performs every Extended Deep Plane Facelift in FPSA’s AAAHC-accredited operating room. Immediately after surgery, patients recover in the facility’s recovery area, where they are monitored by the clinical team.
At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates (FPSA), we also take additional steps to help maximize comfort. As part of the post-operative protocol, a long-acting local anesthetic is placed at the conclusion of surgery to provide extended numbing and pain relief during the early recovery period. In addition, a multimodal pain-control regimen is used, meaning pain and inflammation are addressed through multiple complementary methods rather than relying heavily on a single medication. This approach helps manage discomfort while often minimizing the need for opioid medications.
While everyone’s rate of healing is different, the general recovery timeline will look something like this:
Evening of Surgery
After surgery, patients stay overnight at Hotel Chifley, located one block from the office, with a registered nurse attending to their needs. A soft, compressive dressing protects the incisions and provides gentle support to the face and neck. No drains are used.
Because of the long-acting numbing medication, most patients experience minimal surgical pain. Some muscular soreness in the neck, shoulders, or lower back may occur from lying flat for several hours during surgery.
Some patients feel groggy and sleep through the night, while others experience an adrenaline response and have difficulty sleeping. Both responses are normal. A trained nurse closely monitors patients to ensure their comfort and safety.
Day 1 After Surgery
The first follow-up appointment occurs the morning after surgery. During this visit:
- The compressive dressing is removed
- Hair is gently washed
- Incision care instructions are reviewed with the patient and caretaker
- A light facial sling is applied
The sling should be worn full-time for one week and in the evenings during the second week.
Common sensations include:
- Tightness along the jawline or neck
- Mild to moderate soreness
- Facial pressure or stiffness
- Temporary numbness along the sides of the face or around the ears, sometimes described as a “board-like” sensation
Day 2/3 After Surgery
Patients return for a follow-up visit to monitor healing and remove the hemostatic netting. Swelling often peaks during this period, making this an important time to ensure recovery is progressing as expected.
First Week After an Extended Deep Plane Facelift
Swelling typically peaks and then begins to improve during the first week after an Extended Deep Plane Facelift. During this phase, patients may feel swollen, bruised, and temporarily unfamiliar with their appearance. Even when patients understand that this is part of the normal healing process, they often experience brief feelings of regret or emotional low points. These feelings typically pass as swelling improves.
Many patients are able to transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief during this time. Bruising, if present, begins to fade but may remain visible. Approximately half of the sutures are removed at the one-week postoperative visit.
Week Two Post-Op
Swelling continues to improve, and patients often feel and look more like themselves. Remaining sutures are removed at the two-week visit, and patients may be cleared to apply light makeup over healing incision lines.
It remains important to sleep on the back with the head elevated above the heart for the first two weeks after surgery. Maintaining a neutral neck position and avoiding forward neck flexion helps support proper lymphatic drainage. By this point, many patients feel comfortable taking short outings with appropriate camouflage.
One Month Post-Op
Most patients wait at least one month before attending major social events where there may be close scrutiny. By this time, the majority of swelling and bruising has resolved. Incisions may still be mildly visible, but are typically easy to conceal with makeup. Minor swelling or firmness along incision lines may persist and continue to improve over time.
Three Months Post-Op
By three months, most patients are nearing their final results. Incisions continue to flatten and fade, sensation gradually returns, and patients often feel comfortable and confident with their appearance.
How to Prepare for Your Facelift Recovery
Preparing for recovery is just as important as the surgery itself. The FPSA team provides detailed pre-operative instructions, but the following steps help set the foundation for a smooth recovery:
- Clear your calendar for two full weeks after surgery to allow your body to focus on healing
- Practice sleeping on your back with your head elevated using extra pillows or a wedge pillow
- Use “whole-body turns” at the waist to avoid unnecessary neck turns
- Create a recovery area at home stocked with medications, fluids, healthy snacks, and entertainment
Interested in an Extended Deep Plane Facelift in Houston, TX?
If you are considering an Extended Deep Plane Facelift and would like to better understand recovery expectations for your individual situation, a consultation can help determine whether this approach aligns with your goals.
The team at Facial Plastic Surgery Associates is available to schedule your consultation by calling (713) 526-5665 or by completing our online form to get started.
Extended Deep Plane Facelift Recovery FAQs
Most patients plan for approximately 10 to 14 days of downtime for light social activities, such as short outings or casual interactions. For major social events or situations involving close-up scrutiny, many patients prefer to allow closer to four weeks for swelling and bruising to further resolve. Individual recovery timelines vary based on healing response, the extent of surgery, and adherence to post-operative instructions. Subtle swelling may persist for several weeks and continues to improve over time.
Recovery is generally described as discomfort rather than severe pain. Patients commonly experience 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.
Because the extended deep plane facelift achieves lifting at a deeper structural level, there is often more limited subcutaneous skin elevation. This may reduce disruption of small superficial blood vessels, resulting in less postoperative bruising and a more predictable pattern of swelling for many patients. Individual healing responses vary.
Light daily activities can usually be resumed within the first week, while light social activities are often possible around 10 to 14 days. More strenuous exercise and activities are reintroduced gradually based on healing progress and surgeon guidance.
Swelling typically peaks within the first 2 to 3 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.
Most patients feel comfortable with their appearance by 4 to 6 weeks, but final results continue to refine over several months. By three months, swelling has largely resolved, incisions are fading, and facial contours appear more natural and settled.
No. Recovery varies based on individual anatomy, healing response, lifestyle factors, and the extent of surgery performed. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance based on your procedure and progress.
