Facelift and Neck Lift Recovery
Updated: 5 hours ago
You look in the mirror and see a puffy, bruised face wrapped in a chin strap, and you wonder if you'll ever look like yourself again (only fresher). The answer is yes. It just takes a little time.
Ay, mi cielo (oh, my darling), let's talk about what facelift and neck lift recovery really looks like.
Facelift and neck lift recovery: the quick answer
Most women have swelling and bruising in the face and neck for two to three weeks, with the worst of it in the first few days. Tightness, numbness, and lumpiness along the jaw, cheeks, and neck are common and slowly soften over several months.
Many women feel ready to be seen in public around two to three weeks, but final results can take six months to a year.
What's normal
Swelling and bruising, sometimes traveling down your neck and chest
Tightness in your neck and around your ears
Numbness in your cheeks, ears, and neck
Firm or lumpy spots along your jawline as swelling settles
One side looking a little different from the other while you heal
Tranquila: calm down. Uneven swelling is very common early on.
What helps
Sleep with your head up on a couple of pillows or in a recliner
Wear your chin strap or compression as your surgeon says
Cold compresses if your surgeon recommends them
Avoid bending over, heavy lifting, and turning your head hard
Nada de sol: no sun. Protect your incisions and bruises
Gentle facial lymphatic drainage
What I tell my clients: with your surgeon's okay, gentle facial and neck lymphatic drainage can help swelling go down and make you feel more comfortable. It's very light work. I never press on your incisions, and I follow your surgeon's rules.
Here's your chisme for today: plan a "hide-out" window of about two weeks with no big events, photos, or Zoom calls. Créeme, believe me: you'll relax more when nobody's waiting to see you.
Scars behind your ears
Once your incisions are fully closed, gentle scar tissue release can help tight scars around your ears and hairline soften and move.
When to call your surgeon
Ojo, watch out: call your surgeon right away if one side of your face or neck suddenly swells much more than the other, feels tight and painful, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. Also call for a fever, redness that's spreading, or incisions that open or drain. Call 911 for trouble breathing.
Ready to heal?
If you're in Sacramento and recovering from a facelift or neck lift, I'd love to help you heal.
Not local? Reach out to me for a private consult over Zoom (small fee).
I'm a Certified Massage Therapist (CAMTC No. 39170), not a doctor. This post is for education, not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's instructions. If you think you're having an emergency, call 911.
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