How to reduce swelling and speed up recovery after a facelift?

Swelling after face lift surgery (facelift) is a completely normal part of the healing process. Even the gentlest facelift represents stress for the tissues, and the body responds with swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness. It is important to know that this is expected and that, with a few simple steps, recovery after a facelift can be made significantly easier.

At Klinika Višnjar, we explain to patients in detail already before surgery how recovery will progress, when to expect the most swelling, and what patients themselves can do to make healing as fast and as comfortable as possible. Most of the swelling settles within a few weeks. The first more social activities are usually possible after 2 to 3 weeks, while physical exertion is discouraged for approximately one month.

Below, we summarise the main steps that can help you reduce swelling after a facelift and thus speed up recovery.

What does swelling after a facelift look like day by day?

So that you are not surprised, it is helpful to know the basic timeline:

• first 2–3 days: swelling increases and is most pronounced, bruising is also present, pain may be present
• first week: swelling begins to settle, the appearance is still “puffy”
• second week: most bruising disappears, swelling is smaller but still visible
• 3rd–4th week: most people can appear in public without any issues
• following weeks: swelling continues to slowly decrease, the face gradually “settles” into its final appearance

This is a normal recovery process. Our goal is to keep swelling within reasonable limits and prevent complications.

1. Head position: elevated head, less swelling

The simplest and at the same time one of the most effective measures after a facelift is the correct head position.

After the procedure, we advise:

• sleep with your head elevated at a 30–45 degree angle
• use two pillows or a special wedge pillow
• avoid sleeping on your side with your face “pressed” into the pillow

An elevated head position reduces the flow of blood and fluids to the face and neck area, which means that swelling after a facelift is reduced and settles sooner. Similar recommendations are also given by other reputable aesthetic clinics worldwide.

At our clinic, we clearly tell patients: for the first 7–10 days, an elevated head position is mandatory, not just recommended.

2. Cooling: cold compresses in the first 48 hours

Cooling during the first days after a facelift is very effective in reducing swelling and bruising. It is important to cool the area correctly:

• use cold compresses or ice gel packs wrapped in a thin towel
• never place ice directly on the skin to avoid cold burns
• keep the compress on the face for 10–15 minutes, then take a 10–15 minute break
• continue this rhythm while awake during the first 2 days, as comfortably as possible

Cooling is not a competition. If you overdo it, you may irritate the skin. Consistency and gentleness are more important than extremely low temperatures.

3. Diet and fluids: less salt, more water

After surgery, the body needs building blocks for tissue repair and enough fluids, while at the same time we want to limit water retention, which increases swelling.

After a facelift, we advise:

• reduce salt intake (salty snacks, processed foods, fast food)
• eat mainly whole foods: vegetables, fruit, high-quality proteins, whole grains
• avoid very sweet and fatty meals, which burden digestion
• drink enough water (approximately 1.5–2 litres per day, if there are no other medical restrictions)

Good nutrition and hydration not only reduce swelling, but also support wound healing and reduce fatigue during recovery after a facelift.

4. Movement, rest, and sleep

After a facelift, you should not only lie down, but at the same time you must not overdo activity.

Our standard regimen is:

• first few days: plenty of rest, short walks around the home to stimulate circulation
• first 2 weeks: no lifting of heavy loads, no bending with the head down
• approximately one month: no intense sports, gym workouts, running, or exercises that significantly raise blood pressure

Light walking is recommended, as it reduces the risk of thrombosis and supports overall recovery. Returning to sport too early visibly increases swelling after a facelift and can prolong healing.

5. Medication, compression garment, wound care

At Klinika Višnjar, after a facelift we provide patients with precise written instructions and prescribe medication depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s health condition.

Most commonly, this includes:

• pain relief medication that does not negatively affect blood clotting
• antibiotics if indicated
• a compression bandage or facial mask, which helps reduce swelling and supports the tissues

It is very important:

• to take medications exactly as prescribed
• not to remove dressings or bandages yourself unless we explicitly allow it
• to clean incisions and scars exactly as written in your instructions

Improper wound cleaning or “improvising” with bandages can prolong swelling and increase the risk of infection.

6. What to avoid: things that worsen swelling

If you want swelling after a facelift to be as minimal as possible and recovery to proceed smoothly, it is best to avoid the following for a period of time:

• smoking: significantly worsens circulation and healing, increases the risk of complications
• alcohol: dilates blood vessels and increases swelling, affects medications
• saunas, hot baths, tanning beds: heat dilates blood vessels and intensifies swelling
• sun exposure: the skin is more sensitive after surgery, scars may become pigmented; always use SPF 30+ on exposed areas
• facial massages without our approval: can disrupt the delicate tissue balance during the healing phase

Any “additional” treatments, creams, or products you wish to use after a facelift should always be checked with us first.

7. Regular check-ups and 24/7 availability

A key part of fast and safe recovery after a facelift is regular follow-up appointments. At our clinic:

• follow-up visits are scheduled already before the procedure
• during check-ups we monitor swelling, bruising, wound healing, and symmetry
• if needed, we adjust instructions, bandaging, or therapy

As a clinic, we make a special effort to ensure that patients are not “left on their own” after surgery. On the Klinika Višnjar website, we clearly emphasise that we are available 24/7 during recovery and that we adapt the recovery process to each individual patient.

8.  When should you contact us urgently?

Mild to moderate swelling after a facelift is normal. However, please contact us immediately if you notice:

• pronounced one-sided swelling that rapidly increases
• severe pain that does not settle with medication
• discharge from wounds, unpleasant odour, or high fever
• sudden visual changes, severe headache, or other neurological symptoms

In such cases, do not wait for it to “pass”. It is better to call us once too many times than once too few.

Proper care means less swelling and calmer recovery

Swelling after a facelift is something that cannot be completely prevented. However, we can do a lot to ensure that:

• swelling is less pronounced
• it settles faster
• recovery after a facelift is psychologically and physically easier

At Klinika Višnjar, we always discuss the recovery process, risks, and expectations in depth before the procedure and provide you with precise written instructions tailored to your surgery.

If you are considering a facelift or are already in the planning phase, you can read more about the procedure and types of facelift here:

Facelift or face lift – Klinika Višnjar

During the consultation, we review your face together, explain the course of surgery and recovery, and help you create a plan so that the path to a new, fresher appearance is as calm and predictable as possible.