Facelift Recovery - When Can I Go in Public After Surgery?
Facelift: Q&A
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Facelift Recovery

Thinking about a facelift, but concerned about taking time off work. When can I go in public without looking like a freak (or like I just had facelift surgery!)?

75 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon
+1

Recovery time after a facelift...

A facelift is an excellent procedure that can help patients look younger by improving facial wrinkles and tightening loose skin and muscles.  The healing process can vary, because there are different techniques and every patient heals differently.  After a minifacelift you will have some swelling and bruising, which should only last around 7 days or so.  After a full facelift, the swelling and bruising may last 10-14 days.  Most patients can return to work... more
+6

Recovery from facelift takes many forms

Recovery from a facelift takes many forms. Physical recovery. Social Recovery. Recovery of sensation. Because it is your face, the interruption in social activities is often the hardest part of the recovery. Pain: Most patients have only mild pain after a facelift and it is usually gone in one or two days. I give only Tylenol #3 since stronger medications are not needed. Driving: I allow patients to drive after 4 days if they are off pain meds. Before this, some mild neck... more
+3

Facelift recovery is 2 to 3 weeks

When will I recover from a face lift? Facelift recovery is not a grueling process but it will take 2 to 3 weeks. Your final suture is removed 7 to 9 days after surgery, depending on the surgeon and technique used. There are a few things to know: 1. You're best served by allowing yourself a minimum of 2 weeks before being around other if you don't want them to notice something has been done. Even the most natural facelift shows a little residual... more

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+3

Going out after facelift

I usually tell my patients that if they are going to be in a “high profile” situation – such as a wedding – to allow themselves a full six weeks for healing prior to the event. Otherwise, my patients seem to feel comfortable with their appearance at about two weeks.
+3

Face lift recovery

Recovery from a facelift can vary tremendously , but in general you can look socially acceptable after seven to ten days.  You will not feel totally normal for six weeks.  Back to work ( depending on what you do, i.e. no heavy lifting) is about two weeks.It's easier for a woman because they can wear make-up. Wishing you the best, Tal Raine MD FACS
+3

Facelift recovery is not as bad as you think

Two weeks for most of bruising to resolve and all sutures removed. One month of no heavy lifting and straining. Most of the swelling is gone in the first month, but residual swelling can take a few more months to settle. The less active one is after surgery, the faster the swelling seems to resolve. Patient's usually do not have pain, but more of a "tight" sensation that relaxes somewhat over the coming months.
+3

Recovery after a facelift

Recovery after a facelift depends on the type of surgery performed. More extensive lifts may cause more bruising or swelling. Expect to return to normal daily activity after 5-7 days. 2 weeks after a facelift, you can start working out again. Most patients can get back to their normal social activities at 2-3 weeks. I use homeopathic treatment, herbal remedies such as arnica, and special cooling masks to expedite recovery which my patients love and appreciate.
+3

Facelift downtime?

You should be able to return to normal life activity within 2-3 days.  Returning back to work with makeup should be possible within a week.  You should look pretty normal and not "freaky" within 7-8 days.  Things you can do to minimize bruising... Minimize alcohol for a week before and after surgery Ask your surgeon for an Aqua-Cool -It is a mask that pumps 50 degree Farenheit water constantly to your face.  It really works awesome. PreOperative and p more
+3

Facelift recovery takes 2 weeks after surgery

My first answer to this question is another question: what is your tolerance for being seen with some degree of bruising? If you have anxiety about being seen in the early postoperative phase, my answer is 2 weeks. However, I have patients who work from home, and some who are less concerned about being seen in public. Generally, the latter group can be out and about in 4-5 days (best case scenario). This being said, some patients have a less smooth recovery due to anesthesia or other... more
+3

How long is the recovery for a face lift?

The short answer is: two weeks. After two weeks, most of the bruising and swelling has resolved, and makeup can cover the scars fairly well. Obviously, the more extensive the operation, the longer the recovery. Facelift patients don't experience significant pain, and most stop taking narcotic pain medication after three to five days. The sutures are removed within a week, and patients may wash their hair and apply makeup after three days.
+3

Length of recovery after facelift surgery

The length of your recovery is directly related to the extensiveness of the procedure performed. For a traditional facelift, which involves manipulation of the fatty/muscle layer below the skin, as well as generous lifting and tightening of the skin, most patients are able to go in public 2 weeks after surgery, but camouflage makeup is almost always required. After three weeks, the vast majority of patients have experienced resolution of enough bruising and swelling to feel comfortable in... more
+3

Going in public after a facelift

For most patients having a facelift and ancillary procedures (i.e. cheeklift, laser resurfacing, subcutaneous browlifts, upper and lower eyelids) the recovery times are 2 weeks for looking OK, not great. That generally means makeup is necessary. Patients usually feel comfortable at major functions or appearances at speaking engagements or on camera after 4 weeks. For a straightforward facelift only performed by an expert facelift surgeon, the recovery time is typically 10 days for public... more
+3

Facelift recovery depends on the type of facelift.

In today's world of plastic surgery there are different degrees of facelifting. It also depends upon how you wear you hair. If you only need a facelift limited to incisions around the ear and the central neck compartment is not entered then you can be presentable in 2-3 days with your hair worn in such a way to cover your suture lines. With more complete facelifts in which the central neck compartment in entered and combined with a lateral approach, the bruising is more significant. I... more
+3

What Do You Consider a "Freak"?

The answer is not that easy. The biggest problem after any type of surgery is the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs. While certain things can be done to minimize bruising and swelling, there is no way to predict what may happen. While patients can go out into public in 2-3 days after facelift surgery, there will be stitches in place and likely some amount of bruising and swelling. For most patients, 2 week is enough time to recover. At this point, make up may be necessary to cover... more
+3

Facelifts are variable

There is not a standard facelift since there are different techniques and aspects to this generic procedure. Ingeneral, most bruising should be minimal enough to cover with make up 7-10 days post-op. Swelling is more variable. The more that is done higher up ( forehead, eyes, cheeks) the longer the swelling should last compared to lower face and neck. Most of the time, I tell patients they can go out in public within 7-10 days since all stitches shold be out by then and they can wear... more
+2

Public Ready after a facelift

When it comes to healing everyone recovers at there own pace. Generally after a full face lift I tell my patients that they will be ready to be seen in public in approx. 14 days. That being said many people are comfortable being seen in 5 days. Things that may help in your recovery are : 1. good pre-op condition 2. healthy diet 3. arnica, bromelain and steroids for swelling and bruising and inflammation. Hope this helps. Dr C
+2

Facelift recovery is around 2 weeks

Most patients are comfortable in social settings (including work) by 2 weeks after surgery. Short scar facelifts (sometimes called mini-lifts or anterior facelifts) generally have smaller scars and less bruising and swelling. At 2 weeks, most patients look great with a bit of makeup – perhaps a bit swollen, but quite presentable. In fact, at 2 weeks, the question may be, "Did you lose weight? Change your hair? You look rested." One caution: I strongly... more
+2

Facelift Recovery & Healing Process

Facelift recovery varies from patient to patient and depends on a large number of variables. Just as every patient is unique, the chosen procedure for he or she is unique as well. The differences in wound-healing characteristics and the type of procedure performed account for variations in facelift recovery. Most patients feel pretty good in about four to five days, but their primary concerns are when they will look good enough to go out in public. Recovery following facelift surgery may... more
+2

Facelift Recovery

It depends on the person, but usually after 2-3 weeks you can be seen in public without being too self conscience about your appearance. You will still have some bruising and swelling but it should be minimal. You should be fully healed in 1-3 months after the surgery. see video
+2

Facelift Recovery Time Depends on Facelift Technique, Surgeon, and Your Health

Typically, a facelift will take about 2 weeks before you're ready to be seen in public with minimal makeup. However, there are ways to reduce the recovery time. Before surgery, you should be in as good overall health as possible. Bleeding is one of the big concerns with facelift, so not taking blood thinners, controlling any high blood pressure you may have, and avoiding aspirin will help with your overall health. During surgery, your plastic... more
+2

Facelift Recovery

There are a multitude of ways to do a facelift, some more aggressive than others and the healing time will vary. It also varies with how much bruising there is. Some patients, typically men and redheads, may bruise more and take longer to be presentable. One type of lift I do often looks good in one week with the hair down over the incisions, other more complex procedures may be 2-3 weeks. Pain is rarely much of an issue.
+2

Facelift recovery

One week. when a facelift is executed well and pre and post op instructions are followed well, most patients look extremely presentable at 5-7 days. executing the procedure well means dissecting the tissues under direct vision and precisely controlling all oozing vessels. it also means working closely with the anesthesiolgists to closely regulate bloodpressure and fluid use during surgery. pre and post op instructions are too complex for a brief answer - i have a... more
+2

Downtime after a facelift...

It takes several weeks for the residual swelling and bruising to clear in some facelift patients. Each patient is different, but at my Austin, Texas area plastic surgery practice I usually recommend that patients take about 2 weeks off from work. Some minor bruising and swelling might still persist for a week or two longer in some patients, but in general most areas can be covered with makeup at that point and look acceptable. You can drive once you are not taking... more
+2

Recovery from face lift

My short answer to this frequently asked question is that a patient looks fair after 2 weeks, good after 6 months, and continues to recover over 6-12 months. It depends on the patient, health, blood pressure, and degree of correction necessary. I have certainly had my share of patients who returned to work 1-3 days after having their surgery! Frequently, healthy ladies who wear their hair over their ears, in particular can return to work within days. more
+2

Facelift recovery: 2-3 weeks, but the greater your age, the greater the healing time

The final sutures are removed at post-operative day #7.  Any post-operative bruising is usually gone by 10-12 days, with any residual bruising after that time settling into the lower neck due to the effects of gravity.  The incisions are well-hidden, above the hairline or by the natural contours of the ear, so that once the stitches are removed, they are difficult to see unless someone is looking in precisely the correct location.  Combining all of these factors, and giving a... more
+2

Facelift Recovery

Every patient heals differently. My patients typically take 10-14 days off for recovery from a facelift. There may be a little swelling at this point but not enough so that most patients woul be uncomfortable in public. Best wishes!
+2

Recovery From a Facelift

Depending on the type of facelift procedure, I recommend that my patients take off at least 1 week from work/social engagements.   There may be some mild bruising which can be easily covered up by mineral based foundation makeup.  Most of my patients are able to go back to work 1-2 weeks post surgery.  I clear my face lift patients to resume activity as tolerated (strenuous activity or working out) approximately 3-4 weeks after surgery.
+2

Recovery Time After a Facelift

There are several factors that come into play when answering this question.  Mostly it depends on what kind of Facelift you are getting done.  If you are just getting a lower Facelift usually the bruising will last only about a week or two and the incisions can be hidden by the hairline. If you are doing the eyes and brow as well it can take a few weeks to look better.  It is always nice to consult with a makeup specialist or esthetician before your surgery to help with... more
+2

Recovery from Facelift

This is a very individual question. Some people bruise and swell more than others. The short end of the spectrum is probably one week. If a patient swells and bruises, recovery could extend beyond two weeks. It is important for any patient to properly prepare themselves for surgery. Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin and ibuprofen Stop most herbal products and vitamin E before surgery Consider a good skin exfoliation program 4-6 weeks before surgery to... more
+2

Recovery allows you to resume social activities 2 weeks

Most patients are able to return to work and social activities two weeks after a facelift. On a rare occasion, a small bruise can persist longer than that, but can be concealed with makeup. For women, hairstyles should cover the ears, and a turtleneck or scarf can be worn to cover up any neck swelling and bruising. Men sometimes grow a beard to cover up the incisions around the ears for the first couple of months.
+2

Facelift recovery

Each surgeon is different and they all produce different results.  But a meticulous surgeon who carefully stops all bleeding during surgery should have you looking great and very presentable within 2 weeks of surgery. 
+2

2 weeks

Although there are variations in facelift techniques, generally swelling which is obvious to the general public and bruising resolve by 10 days to 2 weeks.The surgical procedure is easy to recover from as the manipulation is done in a small area and most of the area operated on has decreased sensation making post operative pain minimal.Women have the advantage of applying makeup which can enhance your recovery time and camouflage any persistent bruising or visible scars in the early recovery... more
+2

Depends on the facelift surgery and the support

Face lift is a generic term and covers a wide variety of possibilities. Patients will be back much more quickly if the office has an on site esthetician who can help the patient conceal the early recovery phase. Our less invasive patients are back within days with the help of concealers and even our most invasive are back in 9 days. The secret to quick recovery is a patient esthetician and a listening patient.
+2

Recovery from a facelift is different for each patient.

Some folk will look good in 2-3 days others may take 2-3 months, both of these are very unusual. I tell my patients plan on about 2-3 weeks. Usually by 3 weeks you will look better than you did before surgery. It is important that you limit your activity for at least 2 weeks to keep your blood pressure and pulse down to limit the risk of post operative bleeding, hematoma. After that you should be careful not to hit or bang your face for at least 6-8 weeks to allow for healing. The end result... more
+2

2 weeks social downtime after facelift

I advise my patients that after two weeks, with make-up and fashion, most patients are passable socially. If the eyelids are not part of the facelift, usually the social down time is only a few days. Bruising after facelift is usually minimal and most commonly in the neck that can be covered with a collar. The eyes are a focus of attention and even a little bruising and swelling is easily appreciated.
+1

Facelift Recovery

The recovery after a Facelift depends on several factors: What type of Facelift was done and how invasive was it to the facial tissues. How long was the Facelift Surgery, or more precise how much tissue dissection was performed. The level of experience of the Facelift Surgeon. More experience typically means less operation time. Today more and more patients are turning to minimally invasive types of Facelifts that offer smaller incisions, less... more
+1

Recovery from facelift

Recovery time from a facelift depends upon several factors including age, health and type of surgery. You also have to take into account the type of job you have and whether or not there are young children in the home. If you have a physical job, such as nursing or teaching young kids, you will need a couple of weeks off minimum, sometimes three. If you have your own youngsters at home it will take about the same length of time to be back to "full-time mommy". You will actually feel quite... more
+1

Facelift Recovery

In my experience, you need 5-7days to get through the initial recovery. Take some time off, and let everyone around you lend a helping hand. This ensures an easier recovery. After 1 week, you can apply some make up for the bruises if needed. After 7-10 days you should feel comfortable with your recovery. Enjoy your result for many years. The brief recovery is worth it.
+1

Facelift recovery

Thank you for your question. If you just have a facelift (and not your eyes as well) you could very easily recover without any bruising. Most of my facelift patients have little to no bruising with regard to their lower face and neck lift. If, however, you have your eyes done at the same time I would say give yourself 7-10 days for probable bruising and swelling. It is definitely safe to say that 2-3 weeks you should be without important social engagements just in... more
+1

Facelift Recovery -- When Are You Restaurant Ready?

This is a great question, and there is some nuance to the answer. Depending on the type of facelift that you have done, recovery can vary from a week to a few weeks. The more extensive the work, the longer the recovery -- though, in my experience, it's worth the wait to have a better, longer-lasting facelift. Most of my patients feel comfortable in public around 10 days from the procedure. There will still be some healing to do, but makeup can camouflage things pretty well at this stage... more
+1

Facelift recovery time

Facelift recovery time varies from patient to patient but in general I tell my patients that they can go out in public at 10 days and be presentable to most people they encounter everyday. This is for the majority of my patients. Some are more like 7 and some are more like 14 days. Much of it depends on the level or type of facelift, and the patient's usual medications and skin quality since thinner skin and blood thinners like aspirin increase risks of bruising at the time... more
+1

Facelift Recovery Guidelines

Everyone is different, but the following guidelines are generally true for the majoirity of our patients having facelift surgery. For most patients bruising is gone by 7-10 days. Swelling is down 80% in two weeks, 90% in twelve weeks and scars can take a year to moture. Make-up is usually started in the second postoperative week. To help keep swelling to a minimum patients should sleep with the head of bed elevated and wear a light suportive elastic garment. Pain is usually less... more
+1

Facelift recovery time

Thank you for your question. The length of recovery following a facelift depends on the extent of the procedure, the type of technique used, and the ancillary procedures that were done at the same time. Typically, the recovery time for a facelift is in the 2 week range. At that time, most people are able to go out in public, though the recovery is not complete. Over the next few weeks, the sensation of their facial skin will continue to return and their skin will relax a bit, giving a more... more
+1

When to leave home

I tell my patients every recovery is different. But, generally patients are able to go to work and be around friends after 2 weeks, but are not ready for the prom for a month. So, don't plan to be seen at a big event (wedding, class reunion) for 4-6 weeks. Also, always error on the longer side just in case.
+1

How Long Does It Take to Recover after a Facelift

On average, a week. If there is mild bruising it can be covered with make-up. When undermining is limited for a SMAS plication technique, the swelling and mild bruising is limited to the side of the face. Sutures come out between 5 and 8 days. So most patients can return to work in 7-14 days. You have to take it easy and not turn your head suddenly or flex your neck down much in the first week to avoid pulling on the skin behind the ears.
+1

Facelift recovery

I routinely tell my patients that they should expect to be able to go out in public with cover up makeup in 2 weeks, although there will likely still be some swelling at that point. The final results of a facelift are often not seen for 4-6 weeks, but most patients look great after only a few.
+1

Facelift recovery

All my facelifts are done with oral sedation and local anesthesia. After over 2000 proceedures and finely honed technical work causing very little tissue trauma and bleeding I am able to get most patients back to work and out with friends in 7-10 days looking great. You will be up and around the house and at the computer in 2 days.
+1

Facelift recovery

The recovery from a facelift varies from patient to patient. Patients that can hide the incisions in front of their ear with their hair can typically be out in public in about 5-7 days. There will still be some swelling and patients can experience bruising mostly in the neck area. Patients are typically back at work in about two weeks with makeup covering any bruising if any remains.
+1

Time for Facelift Recovery

Optimally, the facelift recovery is about 10-14 days max if one does a full facelift. In my experience, that is the maximum time needed off of work. You can resume most activities in 3-4 weeks.
+1

Facelift Recovery Time

The time for recovery depends on many factors such as: how invasive the procedure is, whether or not you ice the face and elevate the head, if you bruise easily. Mini-facelifts with minimal undermining in my hands cause less recovery time and you should be able to go out in public in 1-2 weeks in most cases with some light make up.
+1

Recovery from Facelift?

Believe it or not, a Facelift is not typically a painful procedures. Most of my patients do quite well and take a minimal amount of pain medication following surgery. The biggest form of recovery following a Facelift is the bruising and swelling. If you are able to work from home or have a job that allows you to work while still having signs of bruising and swelling you can be back as soon as one week. If your job does not afford you these options than you may... more
+1

The average is two weeks or less

The confidence to go out in public aftger a facelift depends on several things. One is that you won't be stared at, the other is that you look natural enough that when you see someone that knows you they won't discover your secret. In general at two weeks your bruising and swelling will be gone, or at least almost gone. That last bit of bruising can be covered with make up. You can generally return to work at two weeks and not discover that suddenly everyone in... more
+1

Facelift recovery or “When do you want to be seen”.

Recovery time after facelift is different for various people. Some people won’t be out in public for 2 weeks or sometimes longer because they aren’t ready in their own mind. Many patients are quite presentable (women can wear makeup) in 7-10 days. Once you shampoo your hair 72 hours after surgery many people can get out of the house for brief periods. I ask my patients to wear an elastic facial support as much as possible day and night the first week and then sleep with it the... more
+1

Facelift Recovery

The answer to this question really depends on the type of facelift procedure that is performed.  A short incision or short flap facelift designed to address minimal skin excess will require a much shorter down time than a more invasive procedure designed to address more significant age related changes of the face and neck.  Generally speaking, I suggest 2 weeks off of work for a complete facelift.  At that time, make up will still be required to camouflage incisions in front... more
+1

Recovery after a Facelift

Most patients take 10-14 days off from their work.  You will experience some bruising and swelling, so it will take some time before you can cover things up reasonably well with hair and makeup.  You can work from home and be on the computer or the phone after a few days.  It is always best to invest in yourself, by taking more time to recover.  Don;t rush thiings and you will be nicely rewarded most of the time.  Less invasive types of facelifts will produce... more
+1

1-2 Weeks

The answer depends on how much you had done and how your body heals. To give you an idea, though, 1-2 weeks after surgery is required for most patients before they feel comfortable going back to work or out in public.
+1

Coming back to work after facelift surgery

Depending on complexity of your surgery, the recovery may be shorter or longer.  If any additional procedures done at the same time, like eyelid surgery, cheek or brow lift, or fat grafting, it can prolong the recovery.  Onthe other hand, preoperative diet modfications, activity adjustments and other factors may speed up the recovery.  I would estimate 1-3 week time frame to returm to work with make up but with some restriction of physical activity.
+1

Approximately one week

Depending on the extent of a facelift you have, most patients can return to work in about a week. Mild bruising, if present, can be concealed with makeup.
+1

Facelift Recovery

Facelift recovery can be as soon as one week but may be longer based on individual healing factors.  Many patients do return to work around this time frame.  Some patients wanting the most rapid recovery can have the following: Tissue glues- Can expedite healing so that swelling and brusing is minimized.   Auriderm- Postoperative gel can help expedite healing in some cases Tensage- Tissue growth factor which can promote healing and recovery... more
+1

Recovery is easier than you think!

Recovering from  a facelift is easier, and takes less time, than most people think. I performed a facelift on my assistant and she was back to work in five days.  Typically one should allow seven to ten days off of work.  Recovery can also depend on whether additional facial procedures are performed, such as eyelid surgery, in which case there may be some additional bruising.  Overall, my patients are amazed at how good they look and how well they feel less than a week... more
+1

Facelift post op

Patients go home with a big, bulky dressing and possibly a drain; all patients are examined the day after surgery and if a drain was placed, it is likely removed at this time. Most patients experience a significant amount of bruising and swelling after the surgery; however, this begins to decrease after one week to ten days and is usually down to a socially acceptable level by three weeks.
+1

Facelift recovery

I advise patients to expect that by 6 to 7 days, they can go out with a bit of makeup to conceal any bruising, as long as their hair is long enough to cover over the incisions in front of and around the ear. If the hair is not long enough, then another 3 to 4 days is usually indicated before one can go out without being recognized as having had this surgery.
+1

Facelifts vary greatly

There are many different face lifts.  The recovery time is usually one to two weeks.  Subperiosteal face lifts may have significant edema.  Traditional techniques with excision of underlying tissue and skin are well tolerated in most patients.  To determine the recovery time for your procedure consult your surgeon.
+1

Recovery time for facelift

Recovery time varies with the type of facelift performed. I perform almost every type of facelift, and with the exception of a deep plane facelift, the recovery time ranges from 5 to 10days. Most of my minilift patients will look respectable by 5-7 days. A standard facelift will take between 5-10days. On average less than one third of my patients bruise, but one present, it will take a week to resolve. Long hair and make-up will help conceal it. Swelling is another issue that will factor... more
+1

Facelift Recovery

After a complete facelift, I recommend 10-14 days for initial recovery. Make-up will be necessary, but you can participate in non-strenuous activties without sharing the surgery with friends or colleagues.
+1

Facelift recovery and my own experience

Most of my patients return to work in 10 to 12 days, however I recently had an attorney as a patient who returned in 3 days stitches and all. In other words you are capable of desk type work, but time is needed to allow swelling etc. to subside. I've had TV anchorwomen return on camera as early as 3 weeks depending on the extent of the surgery. This also assumes no post operative complications such as bleeding which could cause additional bruising, although typically it can be concealed with... more
+1

Recovery after Facelift

It is not uncommon for my patients to return to public in 5-10 days after a facelift. I have had many people return to work in the public in 1 ½ weeks. I even had one patient go to her son’s wedding and take wonderful pictures 3 weeks after surgery. To achieve this recovery I have adopted a modification of the MACS Lift for everyone. (See www.TodaysFacelift.com )This procedure achieves excellent results with less surgery. We also remove most sutures within 4 days and show... more
+1

Recovery vs results after facelift

Your question is increasingly common in the modern era of brand-name facelifts, which seem to promise miraculous results with only a weekend off. What it comes down to is that there are no secret techniques to speed recovery. The trend is less invasive techniques, which do facilitate faster recovery and return to most activities in about a week or so, but the less is done the less the results especially long-term. Best advice is don't be sold by slick marketing and don't be afraid to ask... more
+1

With hair and sunglasses, you can go out 5 days after facelift

Dear Freakles Although the facelift is the most powerful facial cosmetic surgery, recovery is surprisingly fast. With proper technique, there is minimal bruising. Almost all the facelift stitches are out by a week. By draping the hair in front of the ears and wearing sunglasses, most patients are able to go out an about on day 5 or 6. WIthin a few days of that, one can go without the sunglasses. For demanding social situations we advise 3 weeks, 4 weeks for on camera work. The exception to... more
+1

Public Apppearance after a Facelift

3 weeks you will look good if every thing goes smooth. In women they can go out as early as 2 weeks, since they can use make up and concealers. Take a look at the series of photographs on my home page under Journey of a Facelift (It is located just below the photo of a girl) and you will see a day to day healing documented with photographs after a Facelift. Regards
+1

Recovery after facelift surgery

Freakles28, Recovery after face lift surgery varies on the specific type of face lift you had, and your body's natural healing ability. Mini lifts (short scar or minimal access) have a faster recovery than traditional face lifts or full face lifts. Generally, most swelling and bruising after facial cosmetic surgery (mini face lift) resolve within a couple weeks. Plan for at least 2 weeks of recovery. You may have residual slight bruising or swelling for longer, however, may still be able to... more
+1

Facelift recovery

It depends on many factors, such as extent of facelift surgery, any other concurrent procedures done, and amount of bruising, among others. On average, it takes about 10 days for the bruising to subside. The incision scar from facelift scar is hopefully in a location that is hidden, especially if the hair is worn over it.
+1

Face Lift recovery varies

Usually face lift recovery takes between 1 and 2 weeks depending upon the type of skin a patient has and the degree of surgery. Some patients bruise easily from minor bumps in everyday life and they are more likely to take two weeks. Also those getting an abbreviated mini face lift are likely to resolve bruising after 1 week. At this point even though there may be some swelling and slight bruising it can be camouflaged with makeup.
+1

Excellent preparation leads to smooth Recoveries

Great answers to your question! I would also add that every Patient is different in terms of how much swelling / bruising they are comfortable with other people seeing. Geography may play role a too - it's not uncommon in the neighborhood where my office is to see post facelift / rhinoplasty patients out for lunch, having a stroll down Park Avenue or shopping at Bloomingdale's - in this part of NYC nobody seems to care! Best thing to do is to follow all of your Doctor's instructions and... more
+1

Recovery time after face lift.

Hi! 1)  In our Manhattan practice, many face lift patients look fine in one week, and almost everyone is entirely presentable after two weeks. 2)  How a face lift is done matters a lot.  The more gentle and meticulous the surgery, the quicker the recovery.
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Comments (1)

sjturner 3 Mar 2013

I recently had a facelift. The doctor told me if I wasn't to vain I could probably be back to work in 3-4 days. Way wrong. It has now been two weeks, I'm still a little swollen and have some minor bruising. I would not plan on anything less than two weeks, three if you can afford it. I have to go back tomorrow.

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