Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), close to 38 million aesthetic procedures were performed in 2024, with over 17.4 million surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons. With these surgeries becoming more commonplace, it’s now more mainstream to book procedures for personal transformations.

The deep plane facelift is a popular surgery, as it provides rejuvenating results while remaining natural-looking. Those who are interested may be concerned about the deep plane facelift recovery timeline though, as they’ll need to plan ahead for time off work and healing.

Here’s what you can expect regarding recovery from a deep plane facelift.

The Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline

Recovery from this surgery happens gradually, and improvements become more noticeable over several weeks and months.

In general, it should take a few weeks to mostly recover, although final refinement can continue for several months. This is especially true in areas around the cheeks and jawline. Also, you should note that every recovery timeline is slightly different depending on:

• Age
• Skin quality
• Overall health
• How closely post-operative instructions are followed

With that said, here’s a general timeline on what to expect.

Days 1-3

The first three days are usually the most intense part of the recovery process. During this period, swelling and bruising often peak, especially around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. You may experience a feeling of tightness or pressure since the deeper facial tissues were repositioned during surgery.

In addition, there may be mild drainage from the incision sites. Your surgeon may recommend keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling. Prescription pain medication or over-the-counter options can be used to manage discomfort during these days; you can also use cold compresses to help with the swelling if approved by your surgeon.

Your face may appear dramatically swollen at this stage, but remember that this is temporary. Symptoms should improve steadily after these initial days. Rest is essential, so you should limit activity almost entirely.

Week 1

During the first week, your body will shift into the early healing phase. There will still be visible swelling and bruising, but they’ll get better day by day.

Sutures or staples may still be in place, depending on your surgeon’s approach. Your face may also still feel tight or numb in certain areas, especially near the jawline and ears. It’s important to still sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling. 

Most people aren’t ready yet for social activities or work, but it’s recommended that you take short walks to promote circulation. Refrain from the following though:

• Strenuous activity
• Bending over
• Heavy lifting

You may need follow-up appointments during this week to monitor healing progress. Keeping incision areas clean and following aftercare instructions will help support smoother healing and reduce irritation.

Weeks 2-3

Most of the noticeable bruising should have faded significantly by now, and swelling will continue to decrease too. Some residual puffiness may remain around the cheeks or neck, and tightness and numbness can still occur, but they should be less noticeable over time.

Energy levels should be better, and many patients feel more comfortable returning to work, social events, or light daily activities. Makeup can be used to conceal lingering discoloration. You should still refrain from strenuous exercise though.

Weeks 4-6

Around this time, your face usually begins looking considerably more natural. Most major swelling has subsided, although subtle residual swelling can still remain. The cheeks, jawline, and neck may show improved definition and more refinement.

The incisions often appear less noticeable too, and your facial movements will feel more comfortable and relaxed. Some firmness or mild numbness may still persist.

In many cases, surgeons will clear patients for regular activities and exercise.

2-3 Months

The deep plane facelift results will most likely look significantly more polished and settled. Residual swelling is increasingly subtle, and the natural face contours will appear smoother and more balanced. The skin texture and softness will continue improving as healing progresses beneath the surface.

Small areas of numbness or tightness may still linger. Also, the incision lines tend to fade gradually and blend more naturally into the hairline and around the ears.

Most patients feel fully comfortable resuming normal routines, including:

• Exercise
• Travel
• Social events

Deep Plane Facelift Scars

Surgery incisions are typically placed around the ears and hairline to help minimize visibility. The 1-week post-op deep plane facelift scars often appear pink, slightly raised, or firm. However, as time goes by, most scars gradually soften, flatten, and fade into thinner lines that become less noticeable.

Temporary numbness or sensitivity around scar areas can happen during recovery.

Proper incision care will hugely affect how scars mature. Surgeons may recommend:

• Silicone scar treatments
• Sun protection
• Avoiding unnecessary tension on healing incisions

Also, keep in mind that the following can influence scar appearance:

• Skin type
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Sun exposure

Possible Deep Plane Facelift Complications

Most people recover without major problems, but there are possible complications. They include:

• Infection
• Prolonged swelling
• Fluid buildup
• Delayed healing
• Temporary nerve irritation

The good news is that severe complications are uncommon if you choose a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon. You should contact them immediately if you notice:

• Excessive pain
• Worsening redness
• Fever
• Unusual drainage
• Sudden swelling

Tips for a Smoother Recovery

Careful aftercare can make a huge difference in the recovery process. Rest is especially important during the initial weeks.

You should stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods to support tissue healing and overall recovery. Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake, as both can interfere with circulation and slow healing.

Follow all medication and incision-care instructions provided by your surgeon. This is essential for reducing irritation and lowering the risk of infection.

Lastly, protect healing skin and scars from sun exposure to reduce discoloration and support smoother scar fading.

Have a Smooth Recovery

Knowing what to expect from a procedure can help immensely with planning. Now that you know what the deep plane facelift recovery timeline should look like, this should hopefully instill more confidence in your decision to go through with the surgery.

Contact us today if you’re interested in booking a deep plane facelift. Dr. Valdez has a bilingual team to ease communication difficulties and has nearly two decades of experience.