Surgery and Swelling: Facelift Recovery Day by Day (Photos)

Recovering from any surgery is going to be a process that takes time. But when you have plastic surgery–a surgery that is supposed to change your whole appearance–you want the changes to take effect NOW. You want to see results immediately, and it can be kind of a letdown to know that it’s going to take some days and weeks (and even months) before you are fully comfortable in your new skin.

Throughout this blog, you’ll find facelift recovery pictures day by day to give you a realistic idea of what to expect. These photos showcase the transformation and help set your expectations about the healing process.

So, let’s start from the beginning, and we’ll see what kind of things you can expect from your body and your recovery as you change and develop into the new you.

Day One

Day one post-surgery is going to be a day of exhaustion and rest. You’ve just been through a significant surgical procedure and had anesthesia that knocked you out. The post-op recovery time is going to be noticeable. You may not initially feel much pain, but you will certainly be feeling pressure, partly from the swelling and partly from the bandages wrapped around your face and chin.

As the day wears on you’re going to need some pain meds, and if your doctor prescribes you any prescription pain medication, this is the day to take it. (It depends on your situation whether you get prescription drugs or over-the-counter meds.) This begins your most important facelift recovery week. Be prepared for plenty of rest and minimal movement.

Day 2

On Day Two you will likely have a follow-up appointment with your doctor. They will change your bandages and see how the scars at the incision sites look. They’ll be interested in bleeding, in drainage, and in discoloration.

Assuming all looks good (which it will 95% of the time) the doctor will reapply the bandages and send you back on your way home. Your facelift recovery timeline will depend a lot on how closely you keep to your surgeon’s care instructions. Keeping the incisions clean and following all post-op recommendations is crucial.

Day 3

No appointments with the doctor on the third day after cosmetic surgery, which means that this day should be spent primarily resting. If you look in the mirror, you’ll notice that you look pretty awful: days Three and Four are among the worst days of face lift recovery for swelling and bruising.

This isn’t to say that the swelling and bruising is going away. Viewing facelift pictures after 5 days can help set realistic expectations. You’ll need to come to terms with the fact that swelling and bruising are going to be your companion for several weeks. The facelift swelling timeline can last for weeks.

Days 4, 5, and 6

In these days after surgery, if you had been prescribed pain meds beyond ibuprofen and Tylenol, then this should be the end of those. Now is the time to transition to over-the-counter pain solutions (if you haven’t already).

Also, during this recovery process, you’ll feel a little more like getting out of bed and trying to do some things around the house. This is a good sign but remember to take it easy. Overexerting yourself can lead to lightheadedness and fatigue. At this stage, continue to rest and avoid any strenuous activities.

Days 7-14

This is where you start to get a look at what the New You is going to look like. There will still be swelling, that’s for certain, and you’ll have a feeling that your skin is being pulled tight (because it is).

But this week is a week for returning to some household duties, and some people even feel that at the end of the second week they’re able to return to work. While not much can be done for swelling, any discoloration can be hidden by makeup, and some go-getters feel the need to get out and see people again.

Days 15-21

This will be the week when your sutures are removed (if your sutures need to be removed–they may be dissolving sutures). But you will start to look and feel much better. As the swelling reduces, you’ll be getting your first real glimpses of what you’re going to look like when you’re fully healed–but bear in mind that this is still in the preliminary stages.

Even weeks after surgery you’ll have some bruising and swelling, and to reduce swelling you need to follow doctor’s orders, including avoiding strenuous activity. You’ll look much better in a few more months.

Days 21-30

You should start to feel comfortable returning to light-to-moderate physical activity without fear of splitting open an incision. Walking, jogging, or biking are all good activities for someone in recovery from a facelift.

After the First Month

A month after surgery, you’ll be feeling great, but the full picture of what you’ll look like when all swelling is gone will come at the 2–3-month mark. Always make sure that, even if you feel great, you keep your appointments with your surgeon so they can monitor your progress.

Differences in Recovery Timeline for Various Types of Facelifts

Facelift recovery times can vary depending on the type of facelift procedure performed. Understanding these differences helps in setting realistic expectations and planning for the healing process. Let’s explore the recovery timelines for deep plane facelifts, mini facelifts, and face and neck lifts.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift is known for its ability to provide long-lasting and natural-looking results. This procedure involves repositioning deeper layers of facial skin and soft tissues. Here’s a deep plane facelift recovery day by day overview:

• Days 1-7: Expect significant swelling and bruising. The first week is crucial for rest and following post-op instructions.
• Days 8-14: Swelling and bruising begin to decrease, but some discomfort may still be present. Patients usually start feeling better and more mobile.
• Days 15-30: Most bruising is gone, and residual swelling continues to diminish. By the end of the month, patients start to see more defined results.
• Months 2-3: The face continues to refine, and most patients are ready to return to normal activities. Full results are usually visible after three months, with ongoing improvements as residual swelling subsides.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is less invasive and focuses on early signs of aging with a shorter recovery period. It targets the lower part of the face, offering a quicker healing process:

• Days 1-3: Initial swelling and bruising are present but typically less severe than with a full facelift.
• Days 4-7: Bruising starts to fade, and patients often switch to over-the-counter pain relief.
• Days 8-14: Most of the swelling subsides, and patients begin to see initial results. Many feel comfortable resuming light activities.
• Day 15 and beyond: By this time, most patients feel almost fully recovered and can resume their regular routines. Skin care is essential to maintain results and support healing.

Face and Neck Lift

Combining a face and neck lift provides comprehensive facial rejuvenation by addressing both the face and neck areas. This procedure can also include a brow lift or enhancements to the upper eyelids. Here’s what to expect:

• Days 1-7: Swelling and bruising are significant, especially in the neck and jawline areas. Rest is crucial, and bandages will be in place.
• Days 8-14: Swelling and bruising start to decrease, and sutures may be removed if non-dissolvable. Patients begin to feel more comfortable.
• Days 15-30: Residual swelling continues to decrease, and initial results become more apparent. Patients can return to light activities and follow skin care routines to aid healing.
• Months 2-3: Full results start to show, with a more defined jawline and neck. Patients are typically fully healed and enjoy their rejuvenated appearance.

Each facelift procedure has its unique recovery timeline, but all require patience and careful post-op care. Following the surgeon’s guidelines and maintaining proper skin care can significantly impact the recovery period and enhance the final outcome. By understanding these timelines, patients can better prepare for their journey to a refreshed and youthful appearance.

Request a Consultation

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a refreshed and youthful appearance, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Jacono. His expertise in facial plastic surgery and personalized approach can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Visit our website to see more facelift recovery pictures day by day and read facelift reviews from satisfied patients who have undergone the transformation.

Understanding the recovery timeline and being patient throughout the healing process are crucial for achieving the best final result. Your journey to a new you begins with the right information and the right surgeon. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you look and feel your best.