Week by Week Recovery
A realistic day-by-day and week-by-week picture of healing after a facelift.
Week 1
You will rest with your head elevated. Swelling and bruising build over the first few days then begin to ease. There may be drains briefly, and dressings are checked early. Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed pain relief. Sutures around the ears are often removed toward the end of the week.
Week 2
Bruising fades and swelling reduces noticeably. Many people feel comfortable at home and start light activity. You may still feel tight and numb in places — both normal and temporary.
Week 3
Most patients feel presentable and return to work and social life, sometimes with light camouflage make-up. Residual swelling continues to settle.
Weeks 4–12 and beyond
You gradually resume exercise as advised. Numbness and firmness resolve over weeks to months, and the final, natural result emerges as the last swelling disappears. Scars continue to fade for up to a year.