Most patients recover enough from a deep plane facelift to return to work within about 2 weeks, with swelling continuing to subside and final results developing gradually over the next several months. Because this advanced facelift technique lifts and repositions the deeper facial layers rather than just tightening the skin, it may require a slightly longer recovery than more superficial facelift approaches.
While every patient heals at their own pace, understanding what to expect during recovery helps you prepare and feel more confident about your transformation.
What Happens in the First Few Days After Surgery?
During the first few days after a deep plane facelift, you can expect noticeable swelling and bruising, and you’ll have surgical dressings to protect your incisions. You may also have small drains in place to support healing and prevent fluid buildup.
It’s common to feel mild tightness, fullness, or pressure in the cheeks and neck during this stage. These sensations are normal and temporary. Most discomfort is easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication. Rest, hydration, and keeping your head elevated all support the healing process during these early days.
In my practice, I see patients the day after surgery to ensure they’re healing well, and again about 5 to 7 days later to remove sutures.
What To Expect During the First 2 Weeks
By the end of the first week, much of the bruising and swelling begins to fade. After your sutures are removed, you can usually apply makeup to conceal residual discoloration.
You’ll likely feel well enough to resume light daily activities within 10 to 14 days. However, patience is key—your body is still healing beneath the surface.
During this phase, focus on gentle self-care:
- Keep incisions clean and dry as instructed.
- Avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous activity.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated.
- Eat nourishing foods and drink plenty of water.
These simple steps promote smoother healing and help you return to daily life feeling more comfortable and confident.
When Can You Resume Normal Activities?
By about 2 weeks after surgery, you can begin nonstrenuous exercise, such as walking or light cycling. Vigorous workouts and heavy lifting should wait until 6 weeks post-op, when swelling has largely resolved and tissues are stable.
Your recovery timeline may vary depending on your age, health, and whether I performed complementary procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer. Following your individualized care plan ensures the safest, most natural-looking outcome.
When Will You See Final Results?
Visible improvement can be seen as early as 4 to 6 weeks, but your final results will continue to refine for up to a year. As swelling and firmness subside, your face takes on smoother, more defined contours.
Because the deep plane technique repositions the muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin, results tend to last significantly longer than those of a traditional lift.
Several factors influence healing and longevity:
- Diligent post-op care and follow-up appointments.
- Avoiding nicotine and excessive sun exposure.
- Maintaining a stable weight.
- Using high-quality skincare products and nonsurgical maintenance treatments such as BOTOX® or dermal fillers.
With proper care, your refreshed appearance can last 10 years or more.
The Benefits of a Thoughtful Recovery
Recovery is more than downtime; it’s an essential step in achieving lasting, natural-looking results. A thoughtful, well-supported healing process helps ensure you look like yourself—just more rested and refined. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable their recovery feels and how quickly they regain confidence as their results emerge.
Ready To Learn More?
If you’ve been considering a facelift and want to determine whether the deep plane approach is right for you, I invite you to meet with me to discuss your goals and timeline. Call my office today at (781) 740-7840 or request a consultation using the online form.
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