When can I go out in public without looking like I just had facelift surgery?

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 stiffness may make driving safely more difficult since you may not turn your head as far to look for cars.

Swelling and Bruising:

Recovery from a facelift involves bruising (usually down low along the neck) and swelling which increases some each day for the first 4 days after surgery. On the 5th day after surgery this begins to improve rapidly and usually by the 7th or 8th day after surgery makeup can be applied. Patients often tell me with a scarf and some sun glasses they can run quick errands. At this stage they would not necessarily want to run into a close friend if they are trying to be discrete.

Dinner With Friends:

For a patient to sit down to dinner with friends and not be asked any questions, I believe it takes about two weeks. Occasionally a very dark bruise may not be completely gone but can be effectively covered with makeup. About 80 % of the swelling is gone so the remainder is hard to detect. Sometimes a slight change is hairstyle can be used to help explain away any differences a close friend might notice.

Exercise:

I ask patients to wait on exercise and heavy lifting until 3 weeks after surgery. Otherwise I don't limit their activities

Numbness:

Mild facial numbness seems to always go away completely but takes about 9 months. Fortunately this does not bother most patients especially once they realize its temporary.

Individual patients may have different outcomes, however, most patients would be ready for public appearance by 2 weeks post surgery, often with a little more makeup than usual. Some patients could very well be ready sooner, at 10 days and occasionally even at 1 week. A lot of this depends on the patients comfort level with possible inquiries from others regarding surgery.

This depends on the individual's perception. Typically after a facelift, most patients can begin to go out in public around 10-14 days post-surgery. By this time, much of the swelling and bruising will have significantly reduced, and any remaining marks can often be concealed with makeup. However, it's advisable to avoid large social gatherings or important events until about 4 weeks, as this allows for more of the bruising and swelling to resolve. Some patients may feel comfortable running errands or meeting with close friends earlier, but for major events, waiting a bit longer may help ensure you look your best without significant stigmata of surgery.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York