Deep Plane Facelift
Post-Facelift Care Guide: Essential Tips for a Faster and Safer Recovery
After facelift surgery, many patients have questions about the recovery process, such as
"When can I wash my face?"
"When will the swelling go down?"
and "What should I eat after surgery?"
Post-facelift care is just as important as the surgery itself.
During the recovery period, it is important not to remove the drainage tube by yourself, avoid excessive neck movement or opening your mouth too widely, and sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling.
In addition, patients should avoid alcohol, smoking, strenuous exercise, and saunas for at least one month, while maintaining a soft-food diet during the early recovery period. Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and washing your face or showering should begin only at the recommended time.
Cold compresses and light walking can help improve recovery and reduce swelling. Temporary tightness or decreased sensation after surgery is usually part of the normal healing process. However, if you experience sudden severe swelling, persistent bleeding, high fever, severe pain, or pus or unusual discharge from the incision site, it is important to contact your doctor immediately for evaluation.
When is the Drainage Tube Removed After Facelift Surgery?
After facelift surgery, a drainage tube may be placed to prevent blood and fluid from accumulating beneath the skin.
The drainage tube is usually removed safely by medical staff approximately 2 days after surgery.
Patients should never attempt to remove the drainage tube themselves or open or empty it, as this may increase the risk of infection and bleeding.
Can I Move My Neck After Facelift Surgery?
A facelift involves incisions in front of and behind the ears to lift and secure the skin and underlying tissues, including the SMAS layer.
During the early recovery period, excessive tension on the surgical area should be avoided.
For at least one month after surgery, avoid:
✔️ Excessive yawning
✔️ Opening your mouth widely
✔️ Chewing tough or hard foods
✔️ Bending your head forward for long periods
✔️ Tilting your neck backward
✔️ Neck stretching or rotating exercises
Excessive movement may increase discomfort and swelling and delay the healing process.
How Should I Sleep After Facelift Surgery?
Keeping your head elevated above your heart can help reduce facial swelling after surgery.
For approximately 2 weeks, we recommend sleeping with two pillows or keeping your upper body elevated at about a 30–45 degree angle.
Sleeping on your side may place pressure on one side of the face, so it is recommended to sleep on your back with your face upward.
When Can I Drink Alcohol or Smoke After Facelift Surgery?
Alcohol and smoking can interfere with the healing process.
Alcohol may dilate blood vessels and increase the risk of swelling or bleeding.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the surgical area due to nicotine-induced blood vessel constriction, which may delay wound healing.
Smoking can significantly affect recovery and increase the risk of complications, so patients should avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one month after surgery.
What Foods Should I Eat After Facelift Surgery?
On the day of surgery, soft foods such as porridge or liquid or semi-liquid foods are recommended.
During the early recovery period, foods that require excessive chewing should be avoided.
For at least one month, avoid:
Tough meats / Squid or other chewy foods / Nuts
Hard snacks / Hard bread
A soft diet helps minimize unnecessary strain on the surgical area.
How Should I Take My Prescribed Medication and Apply Ointment?
Antibiotics are prescribed to help prevent infection, while pain medication helps manage discomfort after surgery.
Even if you feel better, do not stop taking your medication or adjust the dosage without consulting your doctor.
If you experience side effects such as diarrhea, hives, or dizziness after taking medication, stop taking it and contact the clinic.
Apply the prescribed ointment to the incision site approximately 3–5 times daily to keep the wound properly moisturized.
When Can I Wash My Face and Shower After Facelift Surgery?
Facial cleansing is generally allowed approximately one week after surgery, after the stitches have been removed.
A shower from the neck down is usually permitted the day after the drainage tube is removed.
Please avoid getting water directly on the incision sutures whenever possible. If the area becomes wet, gently pat it dry without rubbing.
Are Cold Compresses and Walking Helpful After Facelift Surgery?
Yes. Properly applied cold compresses and light walking can help reduce swelling and support recovery.
Cold compresses are especially recommended during the first 3 days after surgery.
However, applying an ice pack directly to the skin or leaving it on for too long may cause skin damage. Always wrap the ice pack in clean gauze or a towel and apply it for short periods of about 3–5 minutes at a time.
Light walking can improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may help reduce swelling.
Avoid heat therapy, as reduced skin sensation after surgery may increase the risk of burns.
When Can I Exercise or Use a Sauna After Facelift Surgery?
Activities that raise your blood pressure should be avoided during the recovery period.
Avoid the following activities for at least one month:
Hiking / Weight training / Running
Lifting heavy objects / Saunas / Steam rooms
When getting out of bed, move slowly and use your hands for support to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the surgical area.
Is Facial Tightness or Reduced Sensation Normal After Facelift Surgery?
After facelift surgery, temporary numbness or a tight sensation in the face can occur.
During recovery, some patients may experience tingling, itching, or a crawling sensation on the skin.
These symptoms are commonly associated with nerve recovery and usually improve gradually over 3–6 months.
What Symptoms Require Immediate Contact With the Clinic?
Please contact your doctor promptly if you experience:
▪️ Sudden severe swelling on one side of the face
▪️ Persistent bleeding or a collection of blood beneath the skin
▪️ A fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
▪️ Severe pain that does not improve with medication
▪️ Pus or a foul odor from the incision site
These symptoms may require medical evaluation, so do not delay contacting your medical team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Facelift Recovery
Q. When does swelling go down after facelift surgery?
Swelling after facelift surgery varies depending on individual factors such as skin condition, healing ability, and the extent of surgery.
Swelling is usually most noticeable around days 2–3 after surgery and gradually improves afterward. Significant swelling often improves within 2–4 weeks, while minor swelling and subtle changes may continue improving over 3–6 months.
Keeping your head elevated, taking light walks, and using cold compresses properly can help manage swelling after facelift surgery.
Q. When can I wear makeup after facelift surgery?
The appropriate time to resume wearing makeup depends on skin recovery and the condition of the incision sites.
Generally, makeup should be resumed only after the incisions have sufficiently healed. Since the skin around the incision is sensitive, avoid irritating products and consult your doctor regarding the appropriate timing.
Post-Facelift Care Plays an Important Role in Your Recovery
Recovery after facelift surgery varies depending on each patient's overall health and healing process.
However, following proper postoperative care instructions and maintaining healthy habits can help reduce swelling and discomfort while supporting a safer and more stable recovery.
At HUGOPS, we believe that postoperative care is just as important as the surgery itself.
If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact HUGOPS for professional guidance.
Written by Seong-Hyeok Yang MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Facial Rejuvenation Surgery at HUGOPS
