How Long After Facelift Surgery Should Bruising Be Expected to Appear or Spread?

Bruising is a common side effect following facelift surgery, and it can “fall” downward onto the neck and chest before resolving. Most bruising should disappear after around two weeks, and should be able to be covered with makeup after one week. If your bruising is accompanied by significant swelling, I would advise visiting your surgeon for a follow-up visit to make sure you don’t have a hematoma.

Bruising after facial surgery tends to migrate, and this process can occur over the course of many weeks in some cases. The bruising tends to migrate toward the feet. Most brow lift patients do not get much bruising of the forehead and instead get bruising under the eyes. Cheek implant patients may get bruising in the neck. Facelift patients can get bruising that settles all the way into the chest area as described here - this is not an uncommon experience.
The amount of bruising and the location of bruising will vary from one patient to another. In some cases, particularly second facelift patients, the bruising may be very minimal, whereas others may get extensive bruising. Your surgeon and their staff should be able to educate you on medications and activities to avoid to decrease the risk of bleeding, bruising, and hematoma formation before and after surgery.
Be sure to discuss any post-surgical concerns with your surgeon to rule out any dangerous situations like a large hematoma or other issue.
All the best,

Thank you for your question.  Bruising after facelift surgery is very common (some patients bruising more than others) appearing down the neck and upper chest area, especially if neck lift or lipo was performed.  Bruising should typically take a few weeks to settle, however please do make regular follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon so they can advise. All The Best