What to Expect During Recovery From Facial Plastic Surgery

Recovery after facial plastic surgery can feel daunting if you don’t have enough clear information about what happens once you leave the operating room. However, being prepared can calm your nerves and help you approach your recovery with a better understanding of the timeline and what to expect.

We spend time at AM Facial Plastics educating our patients about the healing period and giving them all of the tools and knowledge they need for a smoother recovery, including practical tips to make healing more manageable. If you want to learn more about our services, you can schedule a consultation in either Santa Barbara or Beverly Hills, CA.

Types of Facial Surgery and How This Affects Recovery

Each facial surgery that we offer comes with different recovery timelines and activity restrictions, while sharing some of the same aspects of recovery. Rhinoplasty may include more bruising around the eyes and nose, along with nasal congestion, while a facelift involves a longer incision. Blepharoplasty often has a shorter initial recovery, but more restrictions when it comes to activities like reading or looking at a phone for too long. They will all involve resting and stopping certain activities like exercising heavily or smoking while the body heals and recovers.

What to Expect After Surgery

The First Week

The first week after facial plastic surgery procedures is focused on rest, controlling swelling, managing discomfort and caring for incisions. During this period, there will be swelling and bruising, often with a feeling of tightness and discomfort. Mild pain can be managed with prescribed medication, and you can apply ice packs several times per day or as directed to help reduce the swelling. You may have dressings or splints, depending on the type of surgery, which are often removed by the end of the first week. You will need to keep your head elevated as you sleep or rest.

Weeks 2-3

By weeks two and three, visible bruising often begins to go away. We may remove stitches if they are not dissolvable, and you will likely start to feel more comfortable returning to light tasks. During this stage, we will still restrict your activities to protect your healing tissues, and you may still have some numbness and soreness in the treated areas.

1-3 Months

Exercise can usually be resumed by the end of this period, and you will feel more like yourself. Some people may continue to have some activity restrictions. It is also normal to still have a little swelling for several months after your surgery. Though you will be able to enjoy early changes, you may not see your full results until all of this swelling goes away.

6-12 Months

At six to twelve months, all of the swelling will resolve, and you will see your full results. Your incision lines will also begin to fade and become less noticeable. We are always here to discuss any additional concerns that may come up as your results stabilize.

Swelling From Surgery: What Is Normal and What Isn’t

Swelling is expected after facial plastic surgery, especially in the first few days, as your body responds to the tissue changes and heals the incisions. It often peaks around day two or three and may look uneven before gradually improving. If your swelling suddenly worsens and you have more pain, or if the area looks red and irritated and bruising and drainage increase, make sure to call your surgeon for a check-up.

Managing Pain and Discomfort After Surgery

Medication

Pain medication works best when taken as directed and before discomfort becomes more intense. We recommend filling your prescriptions before your surgery date so they are ready for you when you get home. Some medications are scheduled at specific intervals, while others are taken as needed. Make sure to avoid alcohol and do not combine medicines unless you have discussed it with your doctor first.

Elevation

Keeping the surgical area elevated helps to drain any excess fluid, which reduces swelling and decreases the pressure on the nerves. It also helps to improve blood flow so that the area gets all of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal. When sleeping, you can use two or three pillows or a wedge pillow to keep your head above the level of your heart

Cold Compresses

You can apply cold compresses for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times per day during the first 48-72 hours unless your surgeon gives you different instructions. Always place a clean cloth between the cold pack and your skin to protect it from irritation, and don’t place direct pressure on the surgical sites. The ice should feel cool and soothing rather than painful.

Adequate Rest and Hydration

Rest allows your body to focus all of its energy on healing. However, you should also plan to move your body several times per day to keep your blood flowing and to prevent complications like blood clots. Walking to the bathroom and back to your recovery area is usually enough movement during the first couple of days. Make sure to drink water consistently throughout the day and eat healthy food to give your body all of the nutrition it needs to heal.

Activity Restrictions During Recovery

• Avoid Bending and Lifting: Bending forward or lifting heavy objects can increase pressure and swelling in the face after facial plastic surgery, so bend at the knees and avoid lifting anything over the weight limit we provide.
• Avoid Heavy Workouts: Strenuous exercise, running and high intensity training can raise blood pressure and delay healing, so light walking is preferred until you are cleared to resume regular workouts.
• Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Healing skin is more sensitive after cosmetic surgery, and direct sun exposure can worsen swelling and darken incision lines, so wear a wide brimmed hat and use sunscreen once approved.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking restricts blood flow, and alcohol can increase swelling and bruising.

Why Choose AM Facial Plastics?

At AM Facial Plastics, our plastic surgery services are led by Arash Moradzadeh, MD, a dual board-certified surgeon in ENT and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His training includes residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and advanced fellowships in plastic surgery, regenerative medicine and facial plastic surgery, and he now teaches advanced techniques at the same institution. Dr. Moradzadeh offers both surgical and minimally invasive options so each patient receives care based on their own situation.

Facial Surgery at AM Facial Plastics in Beverly Hills, CA

Recovery after plastic surgery involves activity adjustments and consistent follow-up so healing can progress. At AM Facial Plastics, a plastic surgery clinic serving Beverly Hills, CA, we provide detailed pre and post operative instructions to help you understand each stage of recovery. To discuss your goals or ask specific questions, call 310-659-9900 or complete our online form.