Let’s talk swelling AFTER a face and neck lift

Typically, the postoperative swelling seen with facelifts and neck lifts will peak about 2-3 days after surgery and begin to slowly improve thereafter. About 70% of the swelling is gone after 2-3 weeks. And the remaining swelling is nearly gone by 6 months.

Every patient swells and recovers a bit differently. Health status, activity level, genetics, and diet can all play a role. It’s best to lay low and minimize physical activity for the first 2 weeks. Once you’re cleared by your surgeon to begin exercising, it’s best to ease back into things so as to prevent significant recurrence in swelling.

It’s advisable to plan for 2 weeks off from social settings and three months off from any big, important events (e.g., weddings) to allow for swelling, bruising, and incision lines to heal.