Learn what to expect from your appearance after a facelift. This blog details daily changes to bruising, swelling, and incisions within the first month of facelift recovery.
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Table of Contents
- Facelift Recovery Day by Day
- Day 1 Post-op
- Days 2–3 Post-op: Bruising Intensifies
- Days 4–6 Post-op: Bruised but Better
- Week 1 Post-op: Turning a Corner
- Week 2 Post-op: Major Aesthetic Improvements
- 1 Month Post-op: Feeling and Looking Like You!
Facelift Recovery Day by Day
Recovering from any cosmetic procedure has its ups and downs, specific restrictions, and healing rates. And most patients do their research ahead of time to learn about recovery pain, instructions, and timelines; you want to know what to expect and how to best take care of yourself.
But what about your appearance? We’ll be honest: Sometimes a patient’s physical appearance can be alarming the first day or two after surgery, and that can be initially upsetting—but this is all normal. Read on to learn what to expect in the first month after getting your facelift.
Day 1 Post-op
Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed using general anesthesia, so you’ll be able to return home, but you will be very groggy. You will be medicated, tired, and likely asleep on the day of surgery. But when you wake up on day one post-op, expect some bruising—and swelling.
Many patients remark that they look and feel like they’ve been hit by a car after their facelift, though it’s really not that bad! But be warned: You will not look your best on this day, and that’s by design. You just went through major surgery, and your face will be puffy, tight, and perhaps a little discolored and red from bandages or gauze. You may have some dry blood around your incisions, as well.
You’ll also have your first follow-up visit on the day one post-op, during which your surgeon will make sure everything looks okay—not beautiful, yet, but healthy.
Days 2–3 Post-op: Bruising Intensifies
These will perhaps be the more difficult days for facelift recovery, in terms of aesthetics and discomfort. Bruising starts to ramp up: You may have it around your jawline and neck, and swelling will accompany it. Your skin will still look and feel tight, especially around your neck and jawline. You will feel tired and a little emotional. Keep resting, and you’ll get through it; this is only temporary!
Days 4–6 Post-op: Bruised but Better
As pain, swelling, and bruising peak around days three and four (it varies), the rest of your recovery will be much easier. Swelling should be going down by now, so you’ll start to see more of your natural facial features again; they can be disguised by swelling for some time in early recovery.
At this point, you’ll still have bruising, but it will likely be changing colors (yellow and green) and becoming less obvious. It may be a little early to go out to dinner, but you can definitely run errands and start getting back to normal activities soon.
Week 1 Post-op: Turning a Corner
Your bruises should be much improved, your skin should feel a little more natural, and your swelling should have reduced, but there’s still a lot more healing to do. Continue to be patient, and if you apply makeup at this time, be extremely gentle.
Week 2 Post-op: Major Aesthetic Improvements
After week two of recovery, most patients are ready to return to work with restrictions and even go out to dinner! Swelling will continue to decrease, and the fine details of your results will reveal themselves every day. Bruising may still linger, but a little concealer can help.
1 Month Post-op: Feeling and Looking Like You!
After your first month, most of the swelling has subsided, and the bruising left weeks ago. You will start to see your final results, although they may still be a few months off.
Your jawline and neck are slender and slimmed with a sharper contour. Your cheeks are lifted, and deep creases and loose skin have disappeared. You’ve officially made it through the aesthetic recovery journey! Now, just watch as your final results improve and scars fade over the next few months.
Want to Learn More About Facelifts in Beverly Hills, CA?
Facelift recovery is made easier with a highly experienced facelift specialist; Dr. Jason Diamond is the plastic surgeon to the stars, with decades of experience performing advanced surgical procedures for some of Hollywood’s most famous faces. Learn how Dr. Diamond performs facelift surgery and view some of his stunning before and after images: Call the Diamond Face Institute today at (310) 859-9816 or complete the contact form to request a consultation.