Facelift surgery is a powerful procedure that can help turn back time on your facial appearance. While the results are often profound yet subtle, you have to get through recovery before you can enjoy them. By fully understanding what to expect during recovery, you can take proactive steps to help ensure the best possible results. After all, you don’t want to take any chances with your face.
While every patient’s facelift recovery is unique, there are some general things you can count on. Following your surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions, but here is general information to help navigate this period, make the most of your recovery, and know what you can expect ahead of time.
How Should I Prepare for Facelift Recovery?
Preparing your home for facelift recovery can make your recovery much more comfortable and stress-free. Having everything you need within reach means you can focus on healing and actually getting the rest you need—and deserve.
Create a Comfortable Recovery Space
Make sure your recovery area is comfortable, soothing, and designed to be a place where you can comfortably stay sedentary for a few days. Keep in mind you will need to keep your head elevated above heart level to minimize swelling. Arrange several firm pillows or a wedge pillow to maintain proper elevation while sleeping and resting.
Gather books, magazines, tablets, laptops, and anything else you’ll want for entertainment during your downtime. Charge all devices ahead of time and keep chargers nearby. Many patients enjoy catching up on shows, listening to audiobooks, or simply resting quietly during the first week. Whatever you choose to do, make sure the option is available to you ahead of time.
Gather Your Essential Supplies
- Ice packs or frozen gel packs to reduce swelling
- Clean gauze, medical tape, and wound care cleansers or ointments for incision care
- Gentle face wipes for areas away from incisions
- Loose-fitting, button-front shirts that don’t need to be pulled over your head
- Soft headbands, ponytails, or clips to keep hair away from incisions
- A thermometer to monitor for fever
- Water—always make sure you have water available
- Pick up prescriptions before your surgery and ensure they are easily accessible or with a trusted adult so that you can stay on top of your pain management
Prepare Easy-to-Eat Foods
Your jaw may feel tight, and chewing can be uncomfortable during the first week, so stock your kitchen with soft, nutritious foods that require minimal preparation. Consider protein shakes, smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, soup, applesauce, and other gentle options. Having meals prepared in advance or arranging for help with food preparation can make all the difference when it comes to getting the nutrition you need to heal.
- Prioritize high-protein meals and snacks to help rebuild tissue
- Vitamins A, C, and D are essential to post-surgical recovery
- Focus on fiber, as constipation is a common side effect of many pain medications
- Hydration is essential and should always be within reach
Arrange for Help
You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. If possible, having help available for the first few days makes a significant difference. They can assist with meal preparation, medication management, and provide companionship during a time when you need to rest and limit physical activity. If you have children or pets, arranging for help during recovery is essential.
What Does a Facelift Recovery Timeline Look Like?
Immediately following surgery, you will be wearing a surgical dressing and compression garment to protect your incisions. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Here is what you should expect from your recovery:
The First Week: Managing Swelling and Discomfort
- Expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort
- Stay on top of pain management
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Use ice to reduce swelling
- Follow your wound care guidance
During the first week, you should expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Your face may look puffy, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Some patients also experience bruising that can extend down to the neck and chest area. While this can seem alarming, it’s a normal part of the healing process. Many patients opt for a week or two of social downtime.
Dr. Bridge will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable, though most patients report only mild discomfort. The key to pain management is to take your medication and any over-the-counter medication as directed. Be proactive about pain management to help manage your discomfort more easily.
Do not engage in strenuous activities during this time. If you can, light walking or exercise on a stationary bike can help improve circulation and recovery.
Weeks Two Through Four: Seeing Progress
- Your will begin to see initial results
- Swelling and bruising will begin to dissipate
- Many return to social activities at the end of two weeks
- Continue to avoid strenuous activities, but light walking is encouraged
By the second week, you will notice significant improvement in swelling and bruising. During this phase, you will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Bridge to monitor your healing progress. He offers both in-person visits and video or phone check-ins to ensure you’re recovering well and to address any questions or concerns.
One to Six Months: Revealing Your Results
- Refined results begin to emerge
- Your face will begin to look and feel like your own again
- Incision lines will continue to heal and fade
- Gradual return to your normal routines
- Residual swelling may persist and tissues may continue to settle for up to a year, but you will have a good idea of what your final result will look like by the end of six months
This is when most patients truly begin to appreciate their results. The natural contours Dr. Bridge created during surgery become more apparent, and your refreshed, rested appearance settles into place. You can gradually return to all normal activities, including exercise, following Dr. Bridge’s personalized guidelines.
Some residual swelling is normal, particularly in areas like the neck or around the ears, and may persist for several months. Your tissues need time to fully adapt to their new position. You can expect to see your final result within 6 to 12 months as your tissues fully settle into their new positions.
Want Quick Tips for a Smooth Facelift Recovery? We’ve Got You Covered!
- Follow Dr. Bridge’s Instructions: Your surgeon provides personalized aftercare guidelines based on your specific procedure and individual needs. Following these instructions carefully is the most important thing you can do for optimal results.
- Stay Patient: Healing takes time, and everyone recovers at their own pace. Trust the process, and don’t try to do anything too soon.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, it’s essential to quit well before surgery and remain smoke-free during recovery.
- Keep Incisions Clean: Proper wound care prevents infection and supports better scarring outcomes. Follow Dr. Bridge’s specific cleaning and care instructions. Dr. Bridge can recommend a medical-grade scar therapy.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Eating protein-rich foods and staying well-hydrated supports tissue repair and overall healing. Plus, if you’re well-fed, you’re generally in a better mood, and nothing makes recovery more bearable than a positive attitude.
- Limit Physical Strain: Bending, lifting, or straining can increase swelling and potentially affect your results. Take it easy during the first few weeks. You deserve the rest.
- Communicate with Your Surgeon: If you have any concerns, unusual symptoms, or questions during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Bridge’s office. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Your Facelift Recovery Journey in West Texas
Recovering from a facelift requires patience, self-care, and following your surgeon’s guidance, but the results are worth the investment. Dr. Kevin Bridge, West Texas’s only double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, brings advanced training from Emory University and international experts to provide exceptional facial rejuvenation close to home.
With a personalized approach and small-town care, Dr. Bridge and his team support you throughout your entire recovery journey. From your first post-operative check-in to your final result months later, you’ll receive the attention and expertise you deserve. Contact Dr. Bridge by calling (325) 230-6411 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your facelift consultation.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not considered medical advice. Please consult with your surgeon directly for information about your specific surgery. If you are experiencing any issues during recovery or need individualized advice, please call the office at (325) 230-6411.