How Long Until Swelling Is 100% Gone After Face Lift?

With most Facelift techniques including those which alter the  SMAS, most of the swelling is gone after 3 months , however, if you had a deeper layer or had a Mid-Facelift via the lower eyelid and cheek area, it may be prolonged for several more months.  In general, you will see more prolonged swelling if you manipulate the central face or cheek area .  The swelling will go away with over the next 3 months .

In my patients, I need to have them back to work in 10-14 days in most cases so I use an outer cheek area SMAS facelift and central facial fat compartment restoration using the patient's fat to replenish the deep facial areas which lose fat with facial aging

Thank you for this question! I usually tell my patients that 3-10 days is the peak time for bruising and swelling. Most people are ‘restaurant ready’ by 2-3 weeks after facelift surgery, which means with make-up on and under not-too-bright lighting. Milder swelling can go up and down, depending on the day, for 2-3 months but to answer your question specifically, it’s possible though uncommon, to have stubborn areas where swelling can that take up to 6 months to resolve. Healing after any surgery is a journey and scars, for example, continue to remodel and improve for a year or more. Patience and open communication with your surgeon is most important when you are recovering from a facelift. As always, I advise patients to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in facial surgery and find someone you connect with and trust. Good Luck!

Hi @ZY, congratulations for starting your facial rejuvenation journey! This is a great question. Hopefully my answer helps you.
Facelifts vary from surgeon to surgeon, but after a true facelift, you can expect a week of bruising followed by another week of swelling. Adding an extensive neck lift may add a few days to recovery.
Fat injections are powerful adjunct to any facelift, but the downside is that it can prolong the period of normal swelling by a week or two. Espescially in the lips, the swelling can last a very long time but the upside is no more paying for filler every few months.
Swelling follows gravity, so the last area to stay a bit firm and swollen is typically the neck but this is barely noticeable and concealed easily with a scarf. 
In Minneapolis we often advise our Facelift Patients to take Arnica and Bromelin which have been shown to reduce the period of bruising and swelling.
Numbness is normal and recovers over 12 weeks. Each day getting better as the nerves regrow to the skin which has been lifted, and moved to a more youthful position.


If you’re slow to recover with swelling try adhering to a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding any salt whatsoever. This, combined with a few lymphatic massage treatments can do wonders for reducing facial swelling after a facelift.

Best Wishes,



K. Chopra, M.D.

Plastic Surgeon

Johns Hopkins Trained

Face, Body and Breast Expert