By Charles H. Thorne, MD
Recovery from a deep plane facelift follows a predictable timeline, with perhaps a slightly faster recovery than a full 2-plane, traditional SMAS procedure. Most patients experience swelling for about two to three weeks.
At weeks three and four, you still may have some residual swelling and tightness, but for the most part, will start looking and feeling much better.
The recovery experience is very similar to recovery from other facelift techniques. I have patients spend the first night after a facelift under the care of a registered nurse, either in a hospital, surgical facility, or a hotel with a private duty nurse. To discuss your recovery timeline and determine if you are a candidate for deep plane facelift surgery, contact my office at (212) 794-0044 or schedule in person at 812 Park Avenue or by virtual consultation.
Key Takeaways
- Cleveland Clinic reports that after facelift surgery, you will experience bruising and swelling that lasts for about two to three weeks. In my experience the bruising is slightly less in the deep plane patients.
- The NHS reports it takes about two to four weeks to fully recover from a facelift, with bruising visible for at least two weeks.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons defines a facelift, or rhytidectomy, as a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. All modern facelift techniques involve lifting and tightening tissue in both the skin plane and the deeper SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) plane to some extent. The difference between various facelift techniques is how much dissection and lifting is done in each plane.
In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon lifts the skin and SMAS as one connected unit rather than separating them into two layers. Lifting the face as one unit is slightly faster and seems to be associated with less bruising on average. If performed properly, neither technique results in the overly pulled look, but that complication may be more likely with the two-plane procedure.
Understanding Your Recovery Timeline
Recovery from a deep plane facelift is very similar to recovery from other facelift techniques. The NHS reports it takes about two to four weeks to fully recover from a facelift. Most people who have facelifts can return to work in two to three weeks. According to the NHS, it could take up to six to nine months to see the full effect of the facelift.
Individual healing varies significantly based on factors including your age, skin quality, overall health, and adherence to post-operative instructions.
Regardless of the type of facelift performed, I tell my patients that they can return to unrestricted activity (yoga, Pilates, tennis etc) after 3 weeks as long as I have seen them or photographs of them to make sure there is nothing unexpected.
Immediate Post-Surgery: Days 1 to 3
Following completion of a facelift, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes that a bandage might be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. Small tubes may be present to draw off any excess blood or fluid. These first few days require rest and careful attention to your surgeon’s instructions.
The more limited skin separation from the underlying tissues in a deep plane approach leaves less of a space for blood to collect in the cheek and decreases the risk of such a collection, known as hematoma. But hematomas can still occur particularly in the neck regardless of the technique. Initial swelling and the beginning of bruising typically develop during these first days, becoming more apparent as the initial post-surgical numbness subsides.
Week One: Initial Healing Phase
During the first week, swelling and bruising typically reach their peak and then begin to subside. Suture removal timing varies based on your individual healing pattern and the specific surgical technique used. Suture removal may occur anywhere from the end of week one to week three and depend on your particular procedure as well as your healing process.
I usually see patients on the first post op day in the hotel and then remove 2/3 of the sutures on post op day 5. The final 1/3 of sutures are removed between post op day 10-14.
Rest remains essential during this period, with gradual increases in light activity as tolerated. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping helps minimize swelling. I have the nurses remove the dressing in the hotel on the day of surgery, allowing you to see the early results of your surgery, though swelling will be accumulating at that time.
Weeks Two and Three: Visible Improvement
Cleveland Clinic reports that after your facelift surgery, you will experience bruising and swelling that will last for about two to three weeks. During this period, you will notice significant improvement in your appearance as the initial swelling subsides and bruising begins to fade from purple and blue tones to yellow and green before disappearing.
Patients often begin to feel more comfortable appearing in public during this time period, particularly with makeup to cover any remaining discoloration. Energy levels typically improve substantially during this phase of recovery.
Week Four and Beyond: Continued Recovery
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes that at weeks three and four, you still may have some residual swelling and tightness, but for the most part, will start looking and feeling much better. The NHS reports that after several weeks, bruises, scars and changes to your skin color should have faded.
Many patients have multiple procedures at the time of a deep plane lift. The more that is done, the more swelling the patient will have. At some point there might be enough swelling to delay the return to full activity beyond 3 weeks. For example, if a patient has a browlift, upper lid surgery, lower lid surgery, fat grafting, and lip lift as well as a deep plane facelift, the recovery may be slightly delayed. Patients who have a deep plane procedure in the cheek and a full necklift are usually ready to return to full activity after the 3 week milestone. Individual recovery varies, and your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your healing progress and the extent of your procedure.
Long-Term Results: Months Two Through Nine
The NHS reports it could take up to six to nine months to see the full effect of the facelift. During this extended period, any remaining swelling continues to resolve gradually, and the final contours of your result become apparent. Scars continue to mature and fade during this time, becoming less noticeable with each passing month.
Results vary among patients, and the timeline for seeing your final outcome depends on factors including your age, skin quality, healing response, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon help monitor your progress throughout this period and address any concerns that may arise.
Factors That Influence Your Recovery
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes that good candidates for a facelift include healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing and nonsmokers. Smoking significantly impacts healing and can prolong recovery time or increase the risk of complications. Age, skin elasticity, the extent of the procedure, and your overall health all play roles in determining your recovery timeline.
When to Call Your Surgeon
Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any unexpected changes during recovery. The specific warning signs that warrant immediate contact are typically standardized by procedure type and discussed during your consultation. I give my patients my cell phone number and instruct them to call me if anything seems out of the ordinary or if the trajectory of gradual improvement changes. In other words, things should be getting gradually better every day so if that trend changes, I would like to hear about it.
If the patient experiences any sudden change in fullness in the cheek or neck, that may be a hematoma. Hematoma is most common in the first 24 hours but has been reported up to 10 days post op.
Risks and Complications
Like all surgical procedures, deep plane facelift surgery carries risks that vary based on individual factors. I have written separately about complications after facelifting. The specific risks and potential complications are thoroughly discussed during your consultation, as they depend on your medical history, anatomy, and other individual considerations.
- Unsightly scars 2%
- Delayed healing behind the ears 4%
- Nerve injury 0.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a deep plane facelift?
Most patients who have facelifts can return to work in two to three weeks. Cleveland Clinic reports bruising and swelling lasting about two to three weeks. Final healing may take six to nine months according to the NHS.
When are sutures removed after deep plane facelift surgery?
I remove 2/3 of the sutures after 5 days and the final 1/3 between post op day 10-14.
How long does bruising last after a deep plane facelift?
The NHS reports that bruising is visible for at least two weeks after facelift surgery. Individual healing patterns may cause some variation in this timeline. In my experience the more limited skin dissection of a deep plane facelift results in less bruising in the cheek than the traditional 2-plane, SMAS lift.
When can I return to work after deep plane facelift surgery?
Most patients who have facelifts can return to work in two to three weeks. The NHS states that you need to take about two to four weeks off work for full recovery. Your specific return date depends on your healing progress and job requirements.
How long until I see the final results of my deep plane facelift?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes that at weeks three and four, you will start looking and feeling much better, but complete healing and final contouring continue for months afterward.
Is recovery from deep plane facelift different from other facelift techniques?
In my experience, the more limited skin separation may contribute to healing characteristics, but the overall timeline for return to work and normal activities remains comparable to other facelift approaches.
Schedule Your Consultation
Every patient is unique, and a deep plane facelift may be fantastic for some and less ideal for others. A consultation with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon is essential to determine if the deep plane approach is the best match for you. During your consultation, you and I will discuss your goals, examine your facial anatomy, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
To schedule a consultation, contact my office at (212) 794-0044. My office is located at 812 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, and I am available Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also schedule in person or by virtual consultation through my website.
Who Is Writing This
I am Dr. Charles H. Thorne, a plastic surgeon in Manhattan with more than thirty-five years of experience. I am the Editor-in-Chief of Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery textbook and have served as President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. My practice focuses on facelift surgery and facial rejuvenation procedures. For more information about my background and training, visit my complete biography.
Sources
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy): What Is It, Recovery & What to Expect (Cleveland Clinic)
- Facelift Surgery (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
- Your facelift recovery explained from Day 1 to Day 30 (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
- Facelift Recovery (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
- Facelift Candidates (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
- Facelift (rhytidectomy) – NHS (NHS (UK National Health Service))
