Plastic surgery recovery is a process, and how you heal will depend on many factors. Keep in mind that every patient is different, and your own experience will be unique.
At a glance, most facial procedures need at least 1 week of rest and, 2 weeks off strenuous activities. Some take longer than others, so it’s important to inform yourself.
To heal well, the most important things you can do are rest and eat well.
What to Expect Immediately After Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital. It’s also helpful to have support at home for the first few days, particularly with tasks such as cooking, cleaning and general household activities, so that you can rest and recover comfortably.
Even if you feel well after surgery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions about rest and activity limits, as pain relief medication can sometimes mask fatigue. Recovery timelines can vary between individuals, and every procedure is different, so it’s best to allow extra time for healing and avoid making firm commitments during your recovery period.
Swelling After Facial Surgery
Swelling is a common and expected response after surgery and indicates that the body is beginning to heal. Swelling is often most noticeable in the first few days after the operation. During this time, your face and neck may feel tight, and normal facial movements may be limited. These effects gradually improve as healing progresses.
In the early recovery period, it’s best to minimise facial and neck movements as advised by your surgeon. Keeping your head elevated, including when resting, can help manage swelling and support circulation in the surgical area. Always follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative instructions for optimal recovery.
Rapid Recovery
Dr Doyle’s Tips for Supporting Your Recovery After Surgery
Ask For / Accept Help
The first few days after surgery are an important part of your recovery process. During this time, your body needs rest to heal, so it’s advisable to avoid unnecessary activity and allow yourself time to recover.
Where possible, try to minimise household responsibilities in advance. If you have young children or pets, consider arranging help for the first week or two after surgery. Preparing meals or organising household support before your operation can also make the recovery period more manageable.
Accepting help from family or friends can reduce stress and allow you to focus on rest and following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions.
Eat Well and Keep Your Fluids Up
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can support your body’s natural healing process after surgery. Nutritious meals that include fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help maintain energy levels during recovery. Limiting foods high in sugar or heavily processed ingredients may also support general wellbeing.
If cooking will be difficult after surgery, you might consider preparing meals in advance or arranging a meal delivery service.
Staying hydrated is also important. Aim to drink water regularly throughout the day, and include fluids such as herbal tea, diluted fruit juice or broth, unless otherwise directed by your surgeon. Alcohol should be avoided during recovery, as it can interact with medications and affect healing.
Keep Your Surgeon’s Instructions Handy
Whether you’re having a face lift, rhinoplasty, or another type of facial surgery, be sure to keep your post-op instructions handy. These will include things like:
- how to care for your surgical sites
- how long & how often to wear your garment
- how to sleep after surgery
- what medications to take, and
- when you can return to normal activities.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call Dr Doyle. You will have a team of professionals available to support you as you recover.
Attend All Scheduled Appointments
It’s important that you attend your post-operative appointments. These appointments allow Dr Doyle to track your recovery, assess your results, and answer any questions you may have.
They’re also a good time to talk about how your recovery is going. Here, you can ask when you might be able to start doing more things, like exercise. If you’re having trouble getting to your appointments, ask a friend or family member for help.
Incorporate Light Movement into Your Recovery
Resting after surgery doesn’t mean becoming sedentary. In fact, it’s beneficial to have light movement such as walking around the house or outside. This promotes healthy circulation and can actually reduce swelling of your surgical site.
Start with short walks around your home and gradually increase the distance as you feel more comfortable. Once you’re feeling up for it, you can even try some gentle exercises like stretching.
Be sure to listen to your body and take things slow. If you start to feel pain, stop what you are doing and rest. Always check with Dr Doyle before introducing any type of strenuous movement.
Avoid Smoking and Vaping
You should have stopped smoking 6 weeks before your surgery. Please do not start again until you have healed completely. Nicotine can slow down the healing process, so it is best to avoid it altogether.
Finally, Be Patient with Your Recovery
Remember that every surgery and every person is different. You will heal at your own pace so try not to compare yourself to others. Some people feel great after a few weeks while others take a little longer.
The most important thing is to follow your surgeon’s instructions and take things slow. With time, you will start to feel like yourself again.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Doyle’s team.
Recovery After Surgery FAQs
Most people report feeling some discomfort in the first few days after surgery. This is normal and can be well managed with pain medication.
Most people take about 2 – 6 weeks to recover from surgery. Yet, this can vary depending on the type of surgery you had and your individual healing process.
This depends on the type of surgery you have and how you’re feeling. In general, people take around 2 weeks off from work, after facial surgery.
There are a few things you can do to speed up healing after surgery. These include following your post-op instructions, eating a healthy diet and resting.
You should also be sure to attend all your scheduled postoperative appointments.
As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with plastic surgery. These include bleeding, infection, blood clots and reaction to anesthesia.
Most people experience minor side effects such as swelling and bruising after their procedure. These are normal and will subside with time.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Now that you have researched your surgery in detail and feel ready to move forward, the next step is to book a consultation with Dr Doyle.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your surgery goals and concerns. Dr Doyle will also assess your medical history and current health to ensure that surgery is suitable for you.
If you’d like to learn more about your surgical options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr Doyle today.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plast) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience. He specialises in face lift surgery in Gold Coast and Brisbane, and also offers a range of body and breast procedures.
Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Doctor and surgeon. He has completed all required training to be a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and is driven by an committed to providing excellent standards of care.
NEXT STEPS
Do Your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn about the Risks and Complications of Surgery
- Download our Plastic Surgery Guides
- Browse Dr Doyle’s YouTube Channel
What to Bring to Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative for support and discussion regarding your choices
- Take notes and read all provided information thoroughly
- Read about what to expect in your Initial Surgery Consultation
Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
- Get a Referral from your GP or specialist – this is required to book a consultation with Dr. Doyle.
- Email us or call on 07 5598 0988 to arrange your consultation appointment.
- Pay your $300 Consultation Fee in advance to secure your consultation.
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 07 5598 0988 during Clinic Hours.
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*DISCLAIMER: All information on Dr Mark Doyle website is general and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are stock images used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.
Dr. Mark Doyle AHPRA Registration: Dr Mark Doyle MED0001375519 Specialist Plastic Surgery – MBBS FRACS FRCS
