How Long Does It Take to Feel "Normal" After a Mini-facelift?

I had a mini-lift six days ago (NOT a "Lifestyle Lift" -- my doctor is a double board certified in Plastic & General Surgery and has been practicing for 22 years.) The results are terrific BUT my ears are very painful and still swollen.(They look OK though) There is also quite a lot of pain around where the staples are inserted in my scalp. My doctor gave me every assurance that this is all normal but I'd like a second opinion. Thanks so much.

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ears scalp pain swollen 1 week post-op normal second opinion

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by SallieSu2 in NY

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How long does it take to feel normal after mini-facelift.

Hi. Each patient is an individual and therefore, there are no rules for how long it takes to feel normal. I tell patients that they will have numbness in the areas of the cheek where the skin was elevated for 4-6 months. The swelling should be resolved in the first 3-4 weeks. Most patients are back to work in the first week to 10 days. I hope that this is helpful.

Recovery after Mini-facelift

It is not unusual to still have some pain one week after a Mini-Facelift. This discomfort should resolve over the next week or two. It may take up to six weks for the swelling to totally resolve. The scars from the incisions will probably be most noticable at 3 to 6 weeks following the surgery and will take about 6 to 12 months to fade. Best wishes.

Mini LIft recovery

I would say that you need to give a good full 2 weeks before you start to feel good. Despite the "mini" moniker, quite a lot of dissection is done and therefore recovery can be tough. It's definitely not the "lunchtime lift" that some have mentioned.