The Mini Facelift Recovery Process
Focusing on the bottom third of the face, a mini facelift corrects signs of aging in the jowls, cheeks, and neck. Mini facelifts require a shorter recovery period than traditional facelifts but devoting adequate time to recovery is still important. Recovering well ensures that your body gets what it needs to heal properly and without complications. Taking good care of yourself after surgery helps you feel better faster and supports superior surgical outcomes.
Here we’ll tell you what you need to know to recover smoothly.
Immediate Post-Operative Phase
During the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, the bottom portion of your face will be swollen and bruised. To keep this to a minimum, keep your head elevated and periodically apply cold compresses. Plan on resting and limiting your movement. Your face may feel tight or sore. Feel free to stick to liquids and soft foods if chewing adds to this tight sensation or is uncomfortable.
Patients report mild to moderate pain in the first few days following mini facelift surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe prescription pain medication to get you over the hump. Please take it—skipping it or cutting back the dosage too soon only serves to make you more uncomfortable than you need to be. We’re very careful about what and how much medication we prescribe. If you have concerns about taking pain medication, discuss them with your surgeon before your procedure.
Unless your surgeon says otherwise, you can remove your bandages and shower 48 hours after your surgery. Take care not to soak your incisions, however. Clean them and then pat them dry, bandaging them again after washing if necessary. If your doctor has asked you to, always wear your compression chin strap unless you’re in the shower.
General Mini Facelift Recovery Timeline
Full recovery from a mini facelift takes about six weeks, but you’ll look and feel better well before then. This timeline will help you know what to expect and when, but remember that everyone is different. Your journey could look a little different.
Week 1:
- Swelling and bruising start to ease but are still visible
- You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon at which time your stitches will be removed
- Keep your incisions clean and bandaged
- Continue wearing your compression garment as instructed
- Start walking a bit to increase your circulation but don’t bend, lift, or engage in strenuous activities
Weeks 2–3:
- Return to work and light exercise
- Swelling and bruising continue to subside; bruising can likely be covered with makeup
- Incisions will be close to healed and may appear red or slightly raised
- Your surgeon may ask you to continue your compression garment at night only
- Continue sleeping with your head elevated
Weeks 4–6:
- Resume exercise without limitations
- Begin silicone scar treatments if desired
- Any noticeable swelling and bruising resolve
Long-Term Expectations:
- Mini facelift scars continue to fade for up to a year
- Final procedure results will be visible in three to six months with improvements potentially continuing for up to a year
- Any numbness experienced after surgery should fade within a year
- Develop a good skincare routine
Tips for a Smoother Recovery
Fortunately, recovering from mini facelift surgery is not difficult or lengthy. Still, a few helpful tips and hints never hurt, so we would like to offer a few. Although often overlooked, two of the best things you can do to aid your recovery are to eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Nutritious food gives your body everything it needs to heal itself, and the right foods and adequate hydration are both good for your skin as you recover and in the long term.
Though we know it can be difficult, it’s important that you keep your head elevated when sleeping after surgery. This is sometimes easier if you sleep in a chair or use a wedge pillow to prop yourself up in bed. Remember to avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous activities as directed even if you’re feeling good. It’s vital that you follow your surgeon’s guidelines and don’t try to do too much too soon.
You can use ice packs wrapped in towels to help ease bruising and swelling during the first few days. Some patients then like to switch to warm compresses to ease soreness. You may do this, but use warm compresses only after your swelling stabilizes and bruising starts to fade. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers if you’re sore but avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as these can make bruising worse.
Lastly, make sure you attend any and all follow-up appointments your surgeon schedules for you. Follow-up care helps to ensure a smooth recovery and can catch potential complications early before they become problematic. At Mia Aesthetics, we require patients visiting us from out of town to stay in the area for five days so we can treat them as necessary after their procedure.
Potential Complications and Red Flags
During your recovery, it’s important to contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns. Some patients hesitate to call us with questions because they’re afraid of becoming a pest. We promise that you won’t be. Surgeons would rather you call them and ultimately not need them than avoid calling when you should. That being said, here are some potential signs of complications that you should absolutely call your surgeon about:
- Excessive bleeding from or opening of your incisions
- Signs of infection including discharge, puffiness, or warmth at the incision sites as well as fever
- Bruising extending beyond the surgical area
- Sudden swelling, especially on only one side of the face
- Severe pain
- Dark or black skin around the incision
Maintaining Mini Facelift Results After Recovery
A mini facelift can turn back the clock and reverse some signs of aging, but unfortunately, the clock starts ticking again after your surgery. Some signs of aging may return in time. Happily, there are things you can do to help the results of your mini facelift last a little longer. They include:
- Using sun protection every day, even when it’s cloudy
- Following a skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Finding a way to manage your stress
- Considering complementary treatments such as dermal fillers or Botox