At a glance: why do postoperative instructions matter?
Each instruction protects a stage of healing. Sleeping position and a break from exercise spare tissues that have just been repositioned; staying out of the sun protects the scar; follow-up visits let us catch early anything that needs attention. Below are the timelines in my facelift protocol and the reason behind each one.
- Sleep: on your back for 1 month.
- Driving: not for the first 10 days.
- Pain: acetaminophen and ketorolac, as prescribed, plus a rescue medication for stronger pain; nothing added on your own.
- Sun: none for 3 months; from 3 to 6 months, only early or late in the day, with SPF 30 to 40.
- Exercise: light at 1 month; everything, including contact sports, at 2 months.
- Warning signs: shortness of breath or chest pain is an emergency; don’t wait for a WhatsApp reply.
My post-surgical recovery guide lays out the full facelift timeline, from stitch removal to the follow-up visits of the first year. Here I explain why each instruction exists: knowing the reason makes it easier to stick with it on the days you already feel fine.
Healing happens in stages
In the first few days, swelling, bruising and tenderness are part of the inflammatory response. Over the following weeks, the body lays down collagen and the scar gains strength; over the months after that, it matures and changes in color and texture. Things look better before the tissue is firm: feeling well doesn’t mean you’re cleared for exertion.
What each instruction protects
Sleeping on your back
For the first month, this position keeps the weight of your head off the operated face while the tissues settle. After a month, if your progress allows, I clear you to sleep on your side.
No driving for the first 10 days
During this time, swelling, a stiff neck that makes it hard to turn your head, and pain medication can slow your reactions behind the wheel. After that, I check your mobility, comfort and current medications before clearing you to drive.
Taking only what was prescribed
For pain, I prescribe acetaminophen and ketorolac at discharge, plus a rescue medication for stronger pain, so nobody has to improvise. Adding aspirin, other anti-inflammatories, supplements or herbal products on your own can increase bleeding, and stopping your blood pressure medication is risky too: hematoma is the most common complication after a facelift, and elevated systolic blood pressure is its main risk factor [2]. If a medication causes side effects, tell the team instead of switching it yourself.
Sun, makeup and hair color
A new scar darkens easily. That’s why there is no sun for the first three months; from three to six months, only early in the morning or late in the afternoon, with SPF 30 to 40 sunscreen; after six months, sun exposure is fine. Makeup is allowed at 7 days and hair color at 3 weeks. My article on skin care before and after plastic surgery covers how to bring your routine back.
Exercise in two stages
Exertion raises blood pressure and blood flow to the face. Rest doesn’t mean staying still: for everyday moving around, follow the instructions the team gives you. At 1 month, if your progress allows, I clear light activity, such as walking, cycling and the gym at about half your usual weights; at 2 months, any activity, including contact sports.
Follow-up visits are not a formality
According to the ASPS, patients are given specific instructions on caring for the surgical site, medications, what to watch for and when to follow up with their surgeon [1]. I routinely remove stitches in stages, at 7, 10 and 14 days, and I follow you for 1 year, with in-person or online visits when appropriate; these visits are included in the cost of surgery. That’s when I can tell normal healing from something that needs treatment, and clear each next step. Skipping one because “everything’s fine” can delay spotting a problem.
Signs that can’t wait for your next visit
Shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting need emergency care right away. Pain or swelling in one leg, especially the calf, needs urgent assessment because it can signal a blood clot; with shortness of breath or chest pain, the NHS advises getting emergency help immediately [4].
Swelling that increases quickly on one side of the face or neck and severe pain on one side mean you should contact the team right away. Bleeding that won’t stop, fever, discharge or redness spreading beyond the incision are also reasons to contact the team [3]. You have 24-hour WhatsApp support from Isanna and me, but that channel is no substitute for the emergency room when a serious sign appears.
Frequently asked questions
If I feel fine early, can I get back to my activities sooner?
No. Things look better before the tissue is firm. I clear each step at your follow-up visits, based on how you’re healing.
Can I do lymphatic drainage or massage on my own?
No. Lymphatic drainage usually starts from day 5, when it’s indicated and I’ve cleared you. Don’t add massage, direct ice, ointments or treatments you’ve seen on social media.
Do I need someone with me after discharge?
A companion isn’t required. If you’d like help, the team can recommend a driver and a caregiver, hired separately.
Bring your questions before surgery
If you’re planning a facelift, write to us on WhatsApp: Bruna, my AI assistant, handles the first contact and then puts you in touch with Isanna to arrange a consultation with me. At the consultation, we go over your recovery instructions and how to fit them into your routine.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift Recovery.
- Chung KH, Cho MS, Jin H. Perioperative Hypertension Management during Facelift under Local Anesthesia with Intravenous Hypnotics. Arch Plast Surg. 2017.
- American College of Surgeons. Surgical Wound Care.
- NHS. DVT (deep vein thrombosis).