A deep plane face and neck lift is a bigger operation than a "mini" lift, and recovery follows a fairly predictable pattern. Knowing roughly what to expect makes the first weeks far less stressful — especially when you are recovering far from home.
Every surgeon's plan is different. The timeline below reflects what many clinics tell their patients; always follow the written instructions your own clinic gives you.
Days 1–3: rest and protect
- Drains, if used, are usually removed within the first one to three days.
- Bandages: expect a compression wrap around the face and a support bandage for the forehead or neck. Many clinics ask you to wear the face and forehead bandages continuously for about the first nine days.
- Swelling and bruising build up over the first two to three days — this is the peak, not a sign that something is wrong.
- Sleep with your head raised above your heart, and lie on your back.
- Cold compresses for short periods several times a day help with swelling in the first few days.
- Eat soft, mild food — porridge, soups, eggs, yoghurt. See what to eat after facial surgery.
Days 4–7: turning the corner
- Many clinics suggest switching to warm compresses from around day four or five, once any active bleeding has settled.
- You may feel tightness, numbness, tingling or a pulling sensation — all common.
- First stitches are often removed around day seven.
- Keep avoiding spicy, salty and very hot food, bending your head forward and big facial movements.
Week 2: looking more like yourself
- Remaining stitches are often removed around day nine, after which many patients can wash their face normally (usually the day after).
- Major swelling typically eases over the first one to two weeks. Bruising fades from the top of the face downwards, so the jaw and neck may look swollen for longer — normal.
- Many clinics allow skincare and sunscreen from about two weeks.
- Most international patients fly home around the end of week two, once the surgeon has checked them.
Weeks 3–4: the neck bandage and the "one-month" rules
- A neck support bandage is often worn for around a month.
- Common one-month rules: no alcohol, smoking or strenuous exercise; no sauna, steam room, swimming pool or massage; foundation and full makeup from about one month; hair colouring no earlier than one month.
- Keep sleeping on your back for around the first month.
Months 2–6: settling in
- Mild residual swelling can take three to six months to disappear completely.
- Firmness, slight asymmetry, tightness or tingling usually soften over around six months.
- Scars start pink and fade gradually. Many clinics allow scar ointment from about two weeks, once incisions have fully healed.
When to contact your clinic
Call your clinic straight away for heavy or increasing bleeding, sudden severe swelling (especially on one side), a high fever, or difficulty breathing. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
Make the first fortnight easier
Set up your hotel room before surgery (our hotel recovery checklist helps) and plan your meals: with AfterOp you order gentle meals from the in-room dining menu and they're delivered to your room or reception.