How long can I expect to be bruised after a mini facelift? What is the downtime in comparison to a full facelift?

Question

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

Most surgeons agree that a "mini" lift is equal to a jawline lift.  This has been known in the past as a "lunchtime lift" for some.  Certainly the recovery time for a minilift is shorter than that of a full lower face and necklift.  In our practice, we advise patients that they will look "presentable" at one week post-procedure with their hair down (ie for women with long hair).  They typically can go back to the gym at that time as well.  A lower facelift and necklift usually doubles that time frame as far as looking good and getting back to routine activity.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  The recovery time really does depend on which technique your surgeon is using.  Also, whether you are just having skin removed or skin and muscle.  I would suggest referring to your surgeon as everyone's protocol will be different. The lower facelift I perform under a local anaesthetic we advise our patients to have 7-10 days off work.  If they are combining their procedure with liposuction or eyelid surgery then 10-14 days maybe needed.  All The Best

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Its about 10-14 days, after which you are restaurant ready- you will still have some lumps and swelling, possibly bruising, however, its easy to cover up at this point. This average is for most patients and some patients heal quicker and some slower. Full healing takes a few months before the sensitivity and swelling resolves completely.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Our advanced mini face/neck lifts are really full face lifts but are just done under local rather than general so they are safer and you get a better result since i can sit you up and turn your head easily to fine tune the results. Bruising lasts roughly 1-2 weeks and usually you are wrapped for 2 weeks.

Robert Deeb, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question.  The swelling and bruising following mini lift can vary quite a bit from patient to patient but in general you can expect swelling and bruising for about 1 week.  Depending on the extent of a “full facelift “ those issues can last several weeks.

How long can I expect to be bruised after a mini facelift? What is the downtime in comparison to a full facelift?

Answers (8)

Answer: 1-2 weeks bruising and 2 weeks downtime with mini or full facelifts

Answer: 1-2 weeks bruising and 2 weeks downtime with mini or full facelifts

Answer: Mini lift recovery

Answer: Mini lift recovery

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Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

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How long can I expect to be bruised after a mini facelift? What is the downtime in comparison to a full facelift?

Answers (8)

Answer: 1-2 weeks bruising and 2 weeks downtime with mini or full facelifts

Answer: 1-2 weeks bruising and 2 weeks downtime with mini or full facelifts

Answer: Mini lift recovery

Answer: Mini lift recovery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.