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

The at-home downtime for a mini lift is usually 1 week, but incisions take weeks to months to heal. Discomfort usually does not last more than about two weeks, although the ears can be especially painful in some. I stopped using staples due to reports of increased discomfort. In the end, all discomfort, swelling, bruising will go away and you will look great!

It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort after any surgical procedure, including a mini lift. 6 days is still quite early in the healing process, and it is expected to have some swelling and discomfort at this point. Each individual is different, and healing times as well as level of discomfort varies from patient to patient, so I would not worry as long as your surgeon said it was normal. I hope this helps.

Healing varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. The #healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away.Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of #recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). For example, the marks from a #facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.Also, the scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the procedure(s) will become apparent and the real result will be seen.If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by. Between the first and second week, much of your swelling and bruising will dissipate. It may take more than a month or two for your tissues to fully soften and any residual swelling to resolve. Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace. I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time. Your discomfort may also resolve once the staples are out.

     There can be discomfort after a facelift, which usually resolves over the first couple of weeks.  However, techniques are surgeon dependent, and the surgeon is the best source of information in this situation.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA