Facial Plastic Surgery Recovery Week-by-Week
Recovery is personal, but a general timeline can help you plan time off, childcare, and support. Use the guide below as a planning tool and follow your surgeon’s instructions for your specific procedure and health history. Your facial plastic surgeon will go over the details with you, and help you with questions or concerns.
First 48 Hours: Rest and Support
Expect fatigue, swelling, and a strong need for rest. You may have a bandage and, in some cases, small drains depending on the procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons urges patience during recovery and offers notes to help. Practical preparation is in order:
Arrange a ride home
Plan for a helper overnight
Prepare a comfortable resting spot where you can elevate your head
Days 3–7: Swelling and Follow-Up Visits
Swelling and bruising often peak early, then start to settle. A follow-up visit during this period is common, and it is where your surgeon checks healing and confirms what is safe. Keep movement gentle, avoid heavy lifting, and stick to your aftercare plan. The first week of recovery may have a bit of discomfort, but that will fade quickly.
Weeks 2–3: Back to Routine, Carefully
Many patients can handle desk work and light errands around this stage, but exercise restrictions often remain. If you have an important event or public-facing work, build buffer time. If you are planning a rejuvenation procedure, review facelift and neck lift options so you understand what may be addressed and what recovery can involve.
Week 4 and Beyond: The Refinement Phase
Around a month, many people feel more socially comfortable, but subtle swelling can last longer. Scar care and sun protection matter here. Smoking can also have an impact on recovery. If you smoke or vape, tell your surgeon early because nicotine can complicate healing and increase risk.
Procedure-Specific Notes
Different surgeries have different normal milestones. Eyelid surgery, for example, may involve vision-related evaluation as part of preparation. If eyelid concerns are part of your goals, review upper eyelid surgery options and ask about dryness, bruising, activity limits, and when contact lenses or makeup are typically allowed.
When to Call Your Surgeon
Contact your surgical team right away for worsening pain, fever, bleeding that does not slow, sudden one-sided swelling, shortness of breath, or any new vision changes. This may be your first procedure, but a reputable facial plastic surgeon has years of experience and education to handle any situation.
The first step is to arrange a consultation. That is when you can align goals, anatomy, and expectations, and develop a recovery plan tailored to you. If you are concerned about your surgeon’s experience, check out this article on Why Board Certification Matters in Facial Plastic Surgery.
Disclaimer: This article is for general education only. For guidance, consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
