Facelift Procedure Recovery Timeline

Facelift procedures are cosmetic surgeries that reduce the most visible signs of aging through the face and neck areas. With age, youthful contours and bone structures may start to sag in appearance with the development of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Facelifts are restorative procedures that do not fundamentally change one’s appearance, and they will not fully stop the aging process. However, they can minimize signs of aging and are generally much more effective than minimally invasive procedures and treatments such as Botox.

Facelift Aftercare

Recovery time for each facelift patient may vary; however, most people generally see swelling reduce within the first 10 days after their facelift procedure.

Most patients can even resume their normal routines in as fast as two weeks. However, facelifts, like any medical procedure, require adherence to physician’s guidelines and advice for facelift aftercare, along with patience throughout the recovery time.

During your facelift surgery recovery, ensure you heed all of your surgeon’s advice. Be very gentle when going about your skincare routine after your surgery and give yourself enough time to fully recover before resuming your day to day schedule.

Facelift Recovery Timeline: Days, Weeks, Months After Your Facelift Procedure

After Your Procedure: Up until the third day or so of your facelift surgery recovery, you may still be under the effects of anesthesia. Although you should not participate in any vigorous exercises, do not remain bedridden. We recommend getting up and walking around every few hours to stimulate blood circulation and avoid blood clots. This will help speed up your facelift recovery time.

First Week: For the first week of your facelift recovery time, continue to monitor your face for any abnormal swelling or bruising. Bruising may last for up to 7 – 14 days, and initial swelling may last for anywhere between 7 – 21 days. Keep in mind that there is a significant amount of variability in bruising depending on the surgical techniques used, the individual’s healing process, and the actual surgeries performed in your facelift procedure. During this time after your facelift procedure, continue a routine of light physical activity with minimal strain to your facial muscles.

Second and Third Weeks: By the second and third week of your facelift recovery time, you should be close to fully recovered, and you should be seeing the visible effects of your facelift procedure. Continue to follow up with your surgeon with post-op appointments. Please note, that you may experience numbness of their ears and face for up to 8 weeks to several months after your facelift procedure. Most facelift patients return to normal social functions within approximately 10 – 14 days. You can generally resume your exercise routine after 3 weeks.

Seek the Best Post Surgical Care

While you can recover in the comfort and privacy of your own home throughout most of your facelift recovery time, many medical professionals would recommend that you stay at a postoperative care facility immediately after you’ve been discharged. The first few hours after your facelift procedure are incredibly crucial to ensuring you avoid any medical risks or complications. Many friends and family members find that they may not be up to the task of 24/7 care after their loved one’s facelift procedure.

Plan Your Stay with Pearl Recovery

Pearl Recovery Retreat is the premier postoperative recovery facility in Los Angeles. Combining medical expertise with exclusive, five-star amenities, we have everything you need to relax and recover in style, with private suites available at the luxurious Viceroy L’Hermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

We invite you to visit us after recovering from your facelift procedure. Call (310) 736-1009 or contact us online to book your restorative stay.