By Michael Sundine, MD
As more patients explore facelift surgery in the Newport Beach area, one of the most common questions is what to expect during recovery—especially regarding bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Dr. Michael Sundine, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facelifts, has extensive expertise in guiding patients through the postoperative healing process. He is the author of Aesthetic Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck and has published multiple articles on facial rejuvenation, helping patients achieve natural-looking results with a smooth recovery.
Day 0
Immediately following your facelift surgery, you will wake up gradually in the recovery area. Most patients experience minimal discomfort at this stage because the local numbing medication is still active. As it begins to wear off, prescribed oral pain medications can be used as needed. To minimize swelling and promote healing, it is recommended to use cold compresses and keep your head elevated, especially during rest.
Day 1
By the afternoon of postoperative day 1, surgical drains are typically removed. Mild swelling and early bruising will begin to appear. Bruising commonly develops in areas with thinner skin, such as the temples and lower eyelids—even if those areas were not directly treated. Some bruising may also appear along the lower neck, where deeper tissue work is performed during a facelift.
Day 2
Swelling usually peaks on the morning of day 2 after facelift surgery. Bruising remains relatively mild but may darken slightly in appearance. This is a normal part of the healing process and varies slightly from patient to patient.
Day 3–7
During this period, swelling and bruising gradually improve. By day 7, sutures around the ears are typically removed. Any remaining bruising should begin transitioning from darker tones to a yellowish discoloration, indicating healing. Most of the visible swelling will have significantly decreased, allowing patients to feel more comfortable in social settings.
Day 10
At this stage, there is usually little to no visible bruising. Sutures along the hairline are removed, and patients can resume full neck movement and positioning. Many facelift patients in the DC area feel confident returning to light daily activities around this time.
Day 14
By two weeks post-surgery, the majority of swelling has resolved, and bruising is typically gone. Patients can safely submerge incision areas in water, such as swimming pools or the ocean. This is also when scar management techniques—such as topical treatments or silicone therapy—can begin to optimize long-term results.
Day 21
Around three weeks after a facelift, patients can resume full physical activities, including exercise. Continued scar care is recommended to support optimal healing and achieve the best aesthetic outcome from your facelift procedure.