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FACELIFT: RECOVERY, DAY BY DAY
Stitches out at 7 to 14 days; bruising for at least 2 weeks; most people take 2 to 4 weeks off.
Day by day
- Day 1 to 2Drains out. Head raised, rest.
- Day 7 to 14Stitches and staples out.
- Week 2 to 4Bruising fades; numbness and tightness can last weeks to months.
Flying home
Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.
Avoid
- Hard exercise, sauna and massage for at least 2 weeks
- Sleeping flat for the first days
- Sun on scars
Pack
- Button-front tops
- Cold packs
- A chin strap if your surgeon gives you one
- Extra pillows
Call your clinic or get help if
- Calf pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing blood (possible blood clot): emergency care now.
- Fever over 38°C, pus, or a wound that opens.
- Sudden swelling and pain on one side.
- Pain that gets worse instead of better.
General information from medical sources (Cleveland Clinic, NHS, ASPS, AAD and published studies), not medical advice. Your clinic's own aftercare instructions come first.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the recovery after facelift?
- Stitches out at 7 to 14 days; bruising for at least 2 weeks; most people take 2 to 4 weeks off.
- When can I fly home after facelift?
- Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.
- What should I avoid after facelift?
- Hard exercise, sauna and massage for at least 2 weeks. Sleeping flat for the first days. Sun on scars.
- What should I pack for facelift in Bangkok?
- Button-front tops, Cold packs, A chin strap if your surgeon gives you one, Extra pillows.