Facelift Recovery: Everything There Is to Know About Facelift Post-Op
Choosing a facelift or neck lift is a significant decision, and understanding the recovery process can help you feel informed, confident, and prepared. At Zuliani Facial Aesthetics in Bloomfield Hills, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Giancarlo Zuliani is known for achieving natural-looking results while providing a smooth, well-supported recovery experience for every patient.
Right After Your Facelift or Neck Lift
After your facelift or neck lift, you will wake up with surgical dressings in place to support the treated areas and protect your incisions. These dressings are typically worn for one to two days. Most patients return home the same day with a trusted caregiver to assist during the initial recovery period.
Swelling, bruising, and discoloration are normal in the first several days following surgery and are expected parts of the healing process. You will receive detailed post-operative instructions outlining how to care for your skin, which ointments or products to apply, and how to protect your face from sun exposure.
Sleeping with your head elevated—either in a recliner or propped up with pillows—is strongly recommended. This helps minimize swelling, improves circulation, and keeps you more comfortable during the early healing phase.
The First Week of Facelift Recovery
During the first week, swelling and bruising usually reach their peak and then begin to gradually improve. Most swelling starts to subside within a few days, while bruising and discoloration typically fade significantly by the end of the week.
You will attend follow-up appointments during this time so your healing progress can be closely monitored and sutures removed when appropriate. Many patients can begin wearing makeup again around seven to eight days after surgery, which can help conceal any remaining bruising.
Light daily activities are generally permitted, but strenuous exercise, bending, and heavy lifting should be avoided until you receive clearance from your surgeon.
Returning to Work and Daily Activities
Most patients plan to take approximately two weeks off from work to allow for initial healing and to feel more confident in their appearance. By this point, much of the visible swelling and bruising has resolved, and many patients feel comfortable returning to professional and social settings—often with the help of makeup.
You will receive guidance on hair care and incision management, including when it is safe to wash your hair and how to keep incision areas dry. Hair coloring or chemical treatments are typically postponed for several weeks to protect healing tissues and incision sites.
Long-Term Facelift Results and Expectations
Final facelift and neck lift results develop gradually. While you may notice improvement early on, swelling continues to resolve and tissues continue to settle over the following weeks and months. The goal is not to look different, but to look like a younger, more refreshed version of yourself.
A facelift cannot stop the aging process, but it can turn back the clock and create a youthful, rejuvenated foundation for your face and neck. Protecting your skin from the sun, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following a personalized skincare routine can help preserve your results for years to come.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation
If you are considering a facelift or neck lift, a consultation at Zuliani Facial Aesthetics is the first step toward understanding your options. Dr. Zuliani will take the time to discuss your goals, explain the recovery process in detail, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to you.
Schedule your consultation today and begin your journey toward a refreshed, confident, and naturally youthful appearance.
