Facelift Recovery: From Day 1 to Day 30

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by Dr. Steven Wallach

If you’re considering facelift surgery, there’s a lot to think about. Things like incisions, surgery dates, and preparation steps are things that you’ll discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon ahead of time, but it can be helpful to know what to expect from your recovery. Although you’ll receive detailed instructions to follow after your surgery, here’s what to expect from your recovery, from day 1 to day 30.

Week One

When preparing for your facelift or neck surgery, you’ll need to make some plans for the days and weeks following your procedure. On day one, you’ll be released from the care of your plastic surgeon to go home with a trusted friend or family member. You’ll likely feel drowsy and sore,  meaning you should be prepared to rest for the day and stay on top of your pain medications. It can be helpful to prepare your home for recovery ahead of time so you can go straight to recovery after you arrive home.

By day two, you should feel less pain and return to Dr. Wallach to make sure your incisions and any swelling are healing correctly. From day three onwards, you’ll begin to gradually feel better and be comfortable moving around a little more. Pain medication should be weaned off as the swelling and soreness begin to dissipate.

WEEK TWO

During week two, you can begin looking at how soon you’re comfortable returning to work. If your job is not labor-intensive, you can usually return by the end of week two. During this week you will be able to undertake some non-strenuous exercise, including walking. By this point, you should be able to manage any pain and discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers.

WEEKS THREE AND FOUR

By the start of week three, you should begin to feel your face become tighter and less swollen. At some point between the end of week one and the middle of week three, you’ll have your sutures removed if they were placed during surgery. Around this time, Dr. Wallach might instruct you to use scar treatments on your incisions to reduce any visible scarring.

Moving into week four, you’ll likely find the sites of your incisions remain pink and more swollen than the rest of your face. However, by the end of week four, you should be able to see the difference in the way your face looks and feels. Beyond week four, your final results will begin to emerge and you’ll enjoy a younger, more refreshed version of yourself.

Schedule a Consultation

The facelift remains one of the best ways to transform your look with the help of a board certified plastic surgeon. To meet with Dr. Wallach and learn more about the right facelift for you, we invite you to contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.