2 weeks

In general it’ll take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks depending on the amount of tissue resected and the procedure done.

You have to be relatively quiet as not to cause a problem with swelling (bleeding). This means the head is elevated, chin extended, and activities minimal. The sutures will be out in 5-7 days. This position in bed will be for 2-4 weeks. Physical activity is minimal until cleared. This is huge in determining the outcome. Whatever you do, follow the directions.

Back in public eye 7to 10 days. 3 mos to normal

A lot depends on how extensive the planned surgery has to be. However, even with major work, most patients do not have a great deal of pain and are up and almost back to normal in a few days. When I say normal, I mean activity, because you certainly won't look normal. Swelling is variable, but lasts a few weeks, and bruising may take a little longer. Subtle improvement continues for several more weeks, and I tell my patients that they won't see their final result for about three months and that any concerns will not really be taken "seriously" until then.

2-4 weeks.

It really depends what procedure your surgeon chooses to do but usually in 7-10 days should be able to go out unless you usually bruise easily. This must be discussed with your surgeon during preop consultation.

Generally, the bulk of the bruising and swelling following a lower facelift subsides enough to look well between two and three weeks. This is very variable depending on the patient and most particularly on the patient’s age. The older one is, the longer it takes. The average person in their 50s by 2 to 3 weeks after a lower face lift begins to look better than before.

It takes 7 days on average to recover from a lower face lift. Some take only 5 days and others 9 days…

Ritu Malhotra, MD

Swelling and bruising may persist for a few weeks.