Facelift Recovery: What to Expect During the Healing Process

If you’re considering a facelift to reduce the signs of ageing, it’s important that you know exactly what to expect at every stage of the process, including your facelift recovery.

In this facelift healing guide, we map out each stage of the recovery process so you can plan ahead. In most cases, it takes two to four weeks to fully recover from a facelift, with the full effects of the treatment usually visible within six months.

What is a facelift?

A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is a popular cosmetic procedure for men and women that reshapes and lifts the tissue around the face and neck to make it appear smoother, taut and more youthful.

It is the most effective procedure for patients with wrinkles, jowls and sagging skin who want a natural-looking and more youthful appearance. The results typically last a decade or longer, making it preferable to shorter-term, non-surgical alternatives for many people.

Along with skin tightening, facelifts can lift and reposition the facial muscles and fat to combat the signs of ageing. Different types of facelifts target specific areas. They include full facelifts, mini facelifts, upper facelifts and skin-only facelifts. Each procedure provides varying levels of treatment and has a slightly different recovery timeline.

What to expect after facelift surgery?

A full facelift is usually performed under general anaesthetic, while local anaesthetic, sometimes alongside some form of sedation, is often used for less invasive procedures such as mini or midi facelifts.

Most facelifts are outpatient procedures, so you’ll typically go home on the same day as the surgery. The surgeon will apply pressure dressings immediately after the procedure and fit drains to help facilitate your healing.

You can expect to feel groggy, light-headed and fatigued after the procedure, so you will need someone to drive you home. These symptoms are very normal and will decrease as the anaesthetic wears off.

Once you’re home, you should get plenty of rest and keep your head propped on pillows at a 30 to 45-degree angle to minimise the swelling. You should also avoid bending down or carrying anything heavy during this initial period.

Pain is often minimal on the first day. Instead, you are likely to feel a sensation of deep bruising in the treated areas. A numbness around the ears and a stiff feeling in the face and mouth is also common.

Most patients don’t need anything more than simple paracetamol to manage the pain, although we will prescribe you stronger pain medication in case you need it. We will also give you detailed instructions about caring for your wounds and arrange your first follow-up appointment, which you’ll attend around 24 hours after the procedure.

Facelift recovery stages and timeline

Facelift recovery typically comes in four stages. We cannot give you an exact timeline for each stage, as that depends on factors such as age, health and the particular facelift procedure, but we can provide a rough guide.

Facelift recovery stage 1 (weeks 1-3)

In this initial stage of recovery, you may have dressings and will attend woundcare appointments to check the progress of your healing, your incisions, and have dressings/sutures removed. This is the beginning of your healing process, and you will experience swelling. You will be able to see an improvement despite this. You may experience pain, which can be managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen. You will be able to eat and drink normally and feel relatively active and well in yourself. It is normal for you to feel tightness; however, this is a temporary sensation. One side of your face may heal faster than the other. This is also completely normal.

You must also follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions carefully. You can clean your incisions easily without touching them by washing your hair in the shower and allowing the soapy water to run over them.

Facelift recovery stage 2 (weeks 4-5)

At this stage you may feel less discomfort and should be able to return to everyday activities. It is important to still rest when necessary and follow your post operative and garment guidance. Your swelling will be going down and bruising will dissipate. You will find yourself feeling and looking much better than your initial recovery period.

Facelift recovery stage 3 (weeks 6-12+)

You should start to see a reduction in swelling at this stage of recovery. As long as you’re fully healed, you can look to implement light exercise – please do not perform any excessive exercise or heavy lifting. The sensation in your face should begin to appear again. Changes will begin to emerge slowly, and you will start to see your final result. You may notice that you still have some pockets of swelling that persist. Your scars may appear red at this point however, they will begin to fade.

Facelift recovery stage 4 (up to 1 year)

It can take up to a year to see your final results. By this stage, your swelling should be less; however, swelling over a year post-op is still very normal. You will be able to return to all normal activities and should be able to enjoy your results.

Facelift risks and complications

As with any form of surgery, there are some risks and complications associated with facelift procedures. Sticking to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions plays a key part in minimising the pain and reducing the risks.

However, even with the best pre- and post-operative care, there are still some complications to be aware of, including:

Bleeding and bruising after surgery
Temporary or permanent numbness and changes in facial sensation
Abnormal scarring
Skin discolouration or changes in skin texture
Anaesthesia issues
Infection
Blood collection in the surgical area
Temporary or permanent hair loss around the incision site is possible

Facelift surgery aftercare

Comprehensive aftercare is a crucial part of the facelift recovery process. As well as pain medication and antibiotic ointment to apply to your incisions, we will give you detailed instructions about how best to recover, including everything from washing to resting.

We will give you details of your first follow-up appointment and arrange regular appointments with you thereafter to monitor your recovery and check that everything is progressing as it should be.

You can also arrange an appointment with your operating surgeon or patient care coordinator anytime during your aftercare period. And you’ll have a 24-hour emergency contact number for urgent advice and support.

Tips for a smooth facelift recovery process

Apply a cold compress to the treated area for the first week to counteract swelling
Elevate your head with pillows when resting and sleeping
Plan to take at least two weeks off work – that includes not working from home
Drink plenty of water (at least two litres a day) to stay hydrated
Eat light, healthy meals that include lots of plant-based, anti-inflammatory foods, and protein such as eggs, fish and chicken
Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen for at least the first few weeks after surgery, although avoid applying to incisions until fully healed
Avoid scratching your face or head for the first month, even if it itches
Use scar cream and massage your scars once you have been cleared to do so by your surgeon

Safe, high-quality and affordable facelift surgery from Enhance Medical

At Enhance Medical, we perform full and mini female facelifts and male facelifts at our state-of–the-art clinics throughout the country. Our GMC-registered surgeons have significant experience performing facelift procedures and will work with you to achieve your specific aesthetic goals. We also include thorough aftercare in the price of your procedure.

Read our facelift guide for more about the procedure or book a free consultation to start your journey.

Posted on 13th June 202513th June 2025 Posted in Face