Is one month after liposuction and a mini facelift sufficient time for puffiness to go down?

The majority of bruising and swelling will be gone by about six weeks. You may be advised to wear your compression garments longer depending on your surgeon's instructions. You will want to protect your skin and avoid prolonged sun exposure as healing tissues can be more sun sensitive and all incisions must be protected.

Hi nigilharris,

For liposuction, especially when performed on multiple areas such as the thighs, belly, flanks, back, and upper arms, it's not uncommon for there to be swelling or "puffiness". Generally, by one month post-liposuction, a significant amount of this swelling will have diminished. However, some mild puffiness might persist, especially in areas where larger volumes of fat were removed. This residual swelling is a natural part of the healing process and can vary based on individual factors and the body's own healing timeline.

Regarding the mini facelift, while the recovery might be a bit quicker than more invasive facelift procedures, there's still the potential for some swelling. Puffiness after a facelift is influenced by the person's unique healing process, the specific technique your surgeon employs, and the extent of the lift.

Given your timeline – having the surgery on May 18 and potentially hitting the beach in June – it's a close call. There's a good chance you'll be feeling much better and the majority of obvious swelling will have subsided. However, it's important to note that everyone's body reacts and heals at its own pace. While the incision sites might be well-concealed by your swimwear, the puffiness might be something you notice more than others would.

In the end, the decision is deeply personal. I'd recommend discussing your concerns further with your surgeon, who can give you a more precise idea based on their experience with previous patients and their knowledge of your health.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

You will still have swelling from liposuction and will need to wear your compressive garments. Most of the swelling in your face will be gone. Make sure you have no scabs or open wounds anywhere or you may pick up an infection from the beach.