Recovery Guide
Your comprehensive guide to post-operative healing
Recovery is a gradual process that varies for each patient. This guide provides general timelines and expectations. Always follow your personalized post-operative instructions provided by our team. Healing takes time—be patient with yourself.
Recovery Timeline
- Rest with head elevated at 30-45 degrees
- Apply cold compresses as directed (20 min on, 20 min off)
- Take prescribed medications on schedule
- Stay hydrated with clear liquids
- Light walking around the house is encouraged
- Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort
- Have someone stay with you for assistance
Important: Contact us if: fever above 38°C, excessive bleeding, severe pain not relieved by medication
- Swelling and bruising peak around day 3-4, then gradually improve
- Continue sleeping with head elevated
- Gentle walking is beneficial
- Avoid bending, lifting (nothing over 5kg), and straining
- Keep incision sites clean and dry
- Attend your follow-up appointment
- Most patients can resume light desk work
Important: No: smoking, alcohol, strenuous activity, direct sun exposure
- Significant improvement in swelling and bruising
- Stitches may be removed (if non-dissolvable)
- Gradual return to normal daily activities
- Light exercise permitted (walking, gentle stretching)
- Makeup can cover residual bruising
- Most social activities can resume
- Continue scar care as directed
Important: No: heavy exercise, swimming, saunas, hot tubs
- 80% of swelling should have resolved
- Resume moderate exercise (jogging, light weights)
- Incision lines may appear pink or red - this is normal
- Continue sun protection (SPF 30+)
- Most patients feel back to normal
- Final results becoming more apparent
Important: No: contact sports, activities with risk of facial trauma
- Residual swelling continues to resolve
- Scar maturation process ongoing
- Full exercise and activities permitted
- Final results typically visible at 6 months
- Some subtle changes may continue up to 1 year
- Schedule your long-term follow-up
Important: Continue: sun protection, healthy lifestyle, scar massage if recommended
Nutrition
- High-protein diet promotes healing
- Vitamin C supports collagen production
- Zinc aids tissue repair
- Stay well-hydrated (8-10 glasses daily)
- Avoid high-sodium foods (increases swelling)
Scar Care
- Keep incisions clean and moisturized
- Apply silicone gel or sheets as directed
- Gentle scar massage after 2-3 weeks
- Strict sun protection for 12 months
- Avoid picking at scabs
Activity Guidelines
- Week 1: Light walking only
- Week 2-3: Light daily activities
- Week 4: Light exercise permitted
- Week 6: Full exercise clearance
- Listen to your body and rest when needed
24/7 Emergency Contact
For urgent concerns outside of office hours, please call our emergency line. Our on-call surgeon is available around the clock for post-operative emergencies.