Many of our facelift patients live full, active lives and are eager to look as young as they feel. That’s why we’re committed to helping you get back to your routine as soon as possible after facelift surgery. While giving your body the time it needs to heal properly is essential, there are smart ways to ease back into your schedule without compromising your safety or results.
Whether you’re wondering when you can return to the gym, get back to work, or wear makeup again, these facelift recovery tips are tailored to help you plan ahead and recover confidently.
Post-Facelift Sleep Tips: Rest Easy & Protect Your Results
Proper sleep is essential for recovery, but how you sleep is just as important. To reduce swelling and avoid placing pressure on healing incisions, we recommend:
- Sleeping on your back with your head elevated using 2 to 3 pillows or a wedge pillow.
- Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for the first 2 weeks, or until you’re fully healed.
A recliner or travel neck pillow can also help keep your head upright and supported during rest.
How Soon Can You Get Back to the Gym After a Facelift?
One of the most common questions we hear from our active patients is, “When can I start working out again?” While every recovery is unique, most patients can begin light walking within a few days to encourage circulation and healing. That said, it’s crucial to avoid strenuous exercise—especially anything that raises your heart rate or blood pressure—for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
You should avoid high-intensity workouts, weightlifting, yoga inversions, and running for 4 to 6 weeks or until cleared by our facial plastic surgeons. Doing too much too soon can increase swelling or disrupt your surgical results.
Swelling, Bruising & Bandages: How To Minimize the Visible Signs of Recovery
Swelling and bruising are a normal part of the facelift and neck lift healing process. To help minimize these aftereffects, follow these helpful tips:
- Apply cold compresses (as directed)
- Keep your head elevated
- Avoid salty foods
- Stay hydrated
Arnica supplements or topical gels can also help reduce bruising more quickly. Be gentle with your face and avoid pressure, pulling, or bending over during the early recovery period.
Skincare After a Facelift: When & How To Safely Reintroduce Products
After your facelift, your skin will be more sensitive than usual. Stick to a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and a soothing moisturizer during the first week or 2. Avoid exfoliants, acids, and active ingredients like retinol until cleared by your surgeon, typically around the 3-week mark. Once your incisions have healed, we’ll guide you on reintroducing medical-grade skincare products to help maintain your youthful, refreshed appearance.
When Can I Wear Makeup After a Facelift?
Makeup can be a powerful confidence booster, but timing is everything. Most patients can safely begin wearing makeup around 10 to 14 days post-op, once incisions are fully closed and no longer scabbing. Focus on mineral-based, non-comedogenic products, and use clean brushes to avoid infection. Green-tinted concealers can help neutralize residual redness or bruising for a more even complexion.
If your treatment plan includes eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a brow lift, your makeup protocol may differ; our surgeons will provide individualized guidance.
Back to the Office (or Zoom): When You’ll Feel Ready To Face the World
Most facelift patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities around 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, once most swelling and bruising subsides. If your job involves physical labor or public-facing responsibilities, you may want to wait a bit longer or consider working from home initially. For virtual meetings, a few camera-friendly tricks—like good lighting, a flattering scarf, or virtual filters—can help boost confidence during healing.
Here To Support You
Returning to your routine after a facelift takes planning, patience, and guidance. Our team is here to ensure you feel supported every step of the way—from surgery to full recovery. If you’re ready to refresh your look and maintain your active lifestyle, we invite you to request a consultation using the online form or by calling us at (980) 949-6544. Let us help you embark on your youthful transformation with confidence!
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