Swelling & Bruising
Swelling and bruising around the face and neck vary from patient to patient. Keeping your head elevated and limiting activity during the first several days can help minimize both.
Facelift Recovery • Marietta, Georgia
Facelift Recovery & Results
Understand what to expect as swelling and bruising fade, daily activities resume, and your smoother, refreshed facial contours become increasingly visible.
Healing After Facial Surgery
A temporary recovery for results designed to last
Bruising, swelling and noticeable scarring are temporary. The goal is smoother, tighter skin and a natural-looking result that lasts for years.
With any facial surgery, your objective is to enhance your appearance and put your best face forward. If you are considering a facelift in the Atlanta area, it can be difficult to take a temporary step backward while recovering.
The important thing to remember is that bruising, swelling and noticeable scarring are part of the healing process, while the smoother, tighter appearance created by facelift surgery can last for years to come.
What To Expect
What can I expect during facelift recovery?
Comfort
Most patients are pleasantly surprised that discomfort is minimal and can be controlled with medication during the early recovery period.
Gentle Care
Your skin may feel tender and numb and may not respond normally at first. Be especially gentle with your face and hair during the first couple of weeks.
Early Follow-Up
1–2 days to the first week
If a drainage tube was inserted, it is generally removed after about 1 or 2 days. Most sutures are removed within the first week, although some stitches in the scalp may remain longer.
It is normal to look pale, bruised and puffy during this stage. These changes are temporary and gradually improve as healing progresses.
Medical Oversight
Recovery guidance from Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Harkins personally discusses your facelift recovery plan, including incision care, activity limitations, follow-up visits and the progression back to everyday routines.
Because each facelift and each patient heal differently, your individual instructions and recovery milestones are tailored to the techniques used during your procedure and your own healing response.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Facial Rejuvenation Experience
Personalized Follow-Up
Recovery Timeline
How long is recovery from facelift surgery?
Most patients can return to work and begin going out socially within approximately 2 to 3 weeks after facelift surgery, with comfort and visible signs of surgery continuing to improve over time.
First Several Days
Keep your head elevated, limit activities and allow swelling and bruising to begin settling.
1–2 Days
If a drainage tube was used, it is generally removed during this early stage.
First Week
Most sutures are removed, although some scalp stitches may remain longer.
2–3 Weeks
Many patients return to work and social activities. Makeup can help camouflage minor remaining bruising.
Enjoying Your Results
Result
Longevity
Maintenance
A rested, youthful look that still looks like you
Within a few weeks of surgery, your improved facial appearance becomes increasingly apparent. Depending on your pre-operative condition, the change may be subtle or dramatic, with the goal of looking more youthful and natural.
Natural-looking rejuvenation
People may notice that you look rested or refreshed without necessarily knowing why.
Typically 7 to 10 years
The rejuvenating effects of facelift surgery typically last 7 to 10 years. Aging continues, but you can continue to look better than if you had never had a facelift.
Protect and support your results
Sun protection, a recommended skin care regimen and periodic nonsurgical treatments can help support your refreshed appearance over time.
Long-Term Maintenance
How can I make my facelift last longer?
Protecting yourself from the sun and following a skin care regimen recommended by our esthetician can help you maintain your rejuvenated look.
As time passes, you may choose to return for nonsurgical treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or skin treatments. Some patients also complement facelift surgery with procedures such as eyelid surgery or a forehead lift.
Plastic Surgery Center of the South values lasting relationships with patients so that your care can evolve with your goals over time.
Safety & Surgical Risks
Is facelift surgery safe?
Complications are infrequent and usually minor when a facelift is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. However, individuals vary in their anatomy, physical reactions and healing abilities.
Hematoma
Temporary facial nerve injury
Infection
Reactions to anesthesia
Poor skin healing
Plan Your Facelift Recovery
Get personalized guidance for surgery, recovery and results
Meet personally with our board-certified plastic surgeon in Marietta to discuss your goals, expected recovery and the facial rejuvenation approach best suited to you.
Individual recovery experiences and results vary. Your surgeon will provide instructions specific to your procedure, health and healing progress.