There are two main parts to every surgical cosmetic procedure: the operation and the recovery. One of the most common questions patients ask our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Neal Goldberg, is how long the swelling and numbness will last after a facelift. It’s important to understand that these effects are totally normal, and they should fade. However, the healing process will take time, and some patience is necessary to achieve the best possible results.
It’s impossible to know exactly how long these symptoms will last, as everyone heals at a different rate. During your initial consultation, Dr. Goldberg will offer a more specific time frame based on your anatomic indicators, cosmetic goals, and treatment plan. In general, however, you should expect swelling to continue for several months, perhaps as long as a year or more. Fortunately, visible signs of swelling will typically subside after about a month. Many patients are unaware that there is residual swelling after about this point. Similarly, numbness should fade gradually and feeling should return as your tissues heal beneath the skin.
We understand you’re eager to feel like yourself again, and we encourage you to ask questions whenever you have a concern. We’re here to help make this experience as pleasant and as swift as possible.