How Long Should Swelling and Numbness Last After a Facelift?

Great question. Most of the swelling is gone by the end of the 2nd week, and a lot of it goes away by the end of the first week also. This is completely normal. By the end of the 2nd week you can go out, put on some makeup, and most people would not be able to tell you've had any surgery recently. However, the numbness around the incisions can sometimes last for months to normalize, and this is relatively common. It should continue to get better with time and likely be nearly completely resolved by 6 months. Good luck!
-David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

This is a common question and concern for many patients. 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. Glasses, even non-prescription versions like blue-light glasses, can help to hide bruises and swelling around your eyes, especially if you also had a blepharoplasty. Milder swelling can go up and down, depending on the day, for 2-3 months. Though this does not usually affect daily life, you want time to heal fully before a big event. Numbness in areas of the face, neck, and ears is common and may take as long as a year to resolve. Most patients find that it has improved enough by 6 months that they don’t find it bothersome. It is possible that some areas to remain numb long term.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!

Many patients share the same query, and it's a valid one. Typically, I guide my patients by explaining that the period of most intense bruising and swelling generally spans from 3 to 10 days following the facelift surgery. Within 2 to 3 weeks, most individuals are comfortably at a stage where they can confidently step into social situations, even with makeup and in subdued lighting.

Employing glasses, even non-prescription variants like blue-light glasses, can be a clever method to conceal any residual bruising or swelling, particularly around the eyes, especially if you've also undergone a blepharoplasty. As healing progresses, you might notice milder fluctuations in swelling over the next 2 to 3 months. While this usually doesn't interfere with daily activities, allowing ample time for a complete recovery before significant events is advisable.

Numbness is a common occurrence in various facial, neck, and ear areas following the procedure. Typically, this sensation could persist for up to a year before fully resolving. Most patients observe significant improvement around the 6-month mark, where the numbness becomes less bothersome. However, some areas might retain a degree of numbness in the long term.

It's crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with substantial experience in facial surgery. Establishing a trustworthy connection with your surgeon is essential. If you're considering undergoing a facelift, I encourage you to reach out to my practice. With my specialized expertise and dedication to achieving natural and outstanding outcomes, I am here to guide you towards your aesthetic aspirations. Wishing you the best on your journey to enhanced confidence and rejuvenation.

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me at chopraplasticsurgery.com