The surgery is only half the job. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed over 15,000 facial surgeries, I tell my patients the truth: my hands do the work in the operating room, but your patience does the work at home. Think of a facelift surgery as moving the foundation of a house. You wouldn’t move your furniture back in while the cement is still wet. Your face needs that same respect during the initial healing stage.
Most facelift patients feel a mix of excitement and nerves about the recovery process. I want to take away the guesswork so you have realistic expectations for your facial rejuvenation.
Most people need 10 to 14 days before they feel comfortable going back to normal activities or seeing friends. While the first stage of healing involves some swelling and bruising, your final results will really start to show over three to six months as the deep tissues fully settle into place.
| Phase | Timeline | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Days 1–3 | Prioritize rest and keep your head elevated |
| Stage 2 | Days 4–7 | Gentle movement and follow-up appointments |
| Stage 3 | Days 10–14 | You can do light walking and wear makeup |
| Final Result | 3–6 Months | Go back to strenuous exercise and see final results |
Before we get into the recovery tips, remember that these steps aren't just ideas. They are rules to protect your facelift procedure. We’re going to look at ten simple things you should do to make sure you have a successful facelift recovery and get the most out of your results.
Gravity is what brought you to my office, so don’t let it fight your healing process. For the first few weeks, you must sleep with your head elevated (propped up on a few pillows). This isn't just for comfort; it’s the best way to reduce swelling. Keeping your head above your heart keeps fluid from sitting in your new jawline and neck, which helps you get that refreshed appearance sooner.
I tell all my patients to expect a down day around the third day. Swelling and bruising usually look their worst about 72 hours after your facelift procedure. This is a normal part of initial healing. You might look in the mirror and worry that things look uneven. Don’t. Your body is just reacting to the surgery. Setting realistic expectations now will help you have a successful recovery.
Tissue healing starts with what you put in your body. I suggest sticking to a healthy lifestyle even before your cosmetic surgery. This means cutting back on salt so you don't hold onto extra water, and getting more Vitamin C to help with collagen production. If you don't drink enough water, you'll stay puffy longer, which leads to slow healing. Adequate sleep and good food lead to faster healing.
In my facelift surgery, I move the deep muscle and fat, not just the skin. This gives you natural looking results, but it needs time to stay put. During the initial recovery period, don't twist your neck quickly. If you need to look to the side, move your whole upper body. Sudden moves can pull on your healing incisions.
The sun is the enemy of a clean scar. It can turn thin incision lines into permanent dark marks. Good incision care means keeping those incision sites clean and covered. If you go outside, wear a hat. Even on cloudy days, the sun can hit your incision sites and mess with your youthful appearance.
Keeping your blood pressure steady is the secret to a smooth recovery. Anything that gives you a head rush, like bending over to tie your shoes or heavy lifting, is a bad idea. It can cause bleeding under the skin and slow down your facelift recovery. Keep your blood flow calm and steady for a few weeks.
Most patients want to know when they can go to a big party. You’ll see visible improvements by the third week, but I suggest waiting six weeks for anything major like a wedding. By then, the minor swelling is mostly gone, and you’ll have a truly rejuvenated appearance.
A facelift isn't usually very painful, but you will feel some tightness and minor swelling. I’ll give you prescribed pain medications for the first few days. After that, most people find they don’t need pain medication anymore and feel better just by prioritizing rest and doing light walking to keep their blood circulation moving.
Your follow up appointments are the best way to track your healing progress. These visits let me make sure your tissue healing is on the right track. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for emotional support from family. It takes a little time for your mind to get used to your new look.
By the second week, most patients can go back to normal activities, but don't start strenuous activity or strenuous exercise yet. Getting back to your routine should be a gradual process. Listen to your body. If you start to experience swelling or increase swelling, stop and rest. Your full recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
I have spent my career studying the way the face ages and, more importantly, how it heals. The ten to fourteen days following your facelift surgery are a small price to pay for results that can last a decade or more. My best advice is to be kind to yourself during this time. You’ve done the hard part by walking through my door and trusting me with your care. Now, let your body do its job. We will be with you at every follow-up appointment to make sure you get the natural-looking results you deserve.
Under the direction of visionary double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia, Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery offers the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures in a relaxed and serene setting. Schedule a virtual or in-person consultation today to get the first glimpse of your future self.
230 A1A N, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082