Facelift Recovery
A realistic, week-by-week picture of healing after a facelift — without the sugar-coating or the scare stories.
Recovery is a process, not an event
Recovery from a facelift is very manageable for most people, but it is not instant. The first two weeks involve swelling and bruising; most patients feel presentable by around three weeks, but the tissues continue to settle and scars to fade for many months. Knowing the timeline in advance removes most of the anxiety.
In this section
Recovery Timeline
The overall arc from surgery to settled result.
Read →Week by Week
A realistic day-by-day and week-by-week picture of healing.
Read →Swelling & Bruising
What is normal, what helps, and when it settles.
Read →Scar Care
How facelift scars are placed and how to help them fade.
Read →Returning to Work
When most people feel presentable and ready to return.
Read →Sleeping & Activity
Positioning, exercise and what to avoid early on.
Read →Not sure where to start?
The complete facelift guide walks you through ageing, candidacy and the consultation before you compare techniques.