Facelift Q&A
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Facelift Recovery
asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Roy Kim, MD
Question viewed 16,788 times
Tags: downtime, healing, 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!)?
58 answers to Facelift Recovery
+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...
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+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...
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+4
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.
Maurice M. Khosh, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+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...
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Edward Buckingham, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+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...
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+2
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.
+2
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
Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+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!
Michael Sullivan, MD
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2
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.
Anand D. Patel, MD
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+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...
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Brian Maloney, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2
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.
Etai Funk, MD
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2
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
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+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
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...
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Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+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...
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Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD
Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon
Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon
+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 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...
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Roy Kim, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+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
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.
+1
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...
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+1
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...
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+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...
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+1
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...
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Mahlon Kerr, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+1
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.
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+1
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...
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+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...
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+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...
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+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...
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Andrew B. Denton, MD
Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon
Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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Michael Vincent, MD
Rockville Plastic Surgeon
Rockville Plastic Surgeon
+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.
George Sanders, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+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.
Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS
Reno Plastic Surgeon
Reno Plastic Surgeon
+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.
Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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Ronald J. Edelson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+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.
Robert Mounsey, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
Toronto Facial Plastic 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...
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Edmon Pierre Khoury, MD
Dubai Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dubai Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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Darrick E. Antell, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon
Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+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...
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+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
Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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+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.
Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+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.
Andrew Jacono, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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...
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Kamran Jafri, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+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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