What Recovery
Actually Looks Like — Honestly.
How much time will you need? What will the first few days feel like? When will you look like yourself again? Below is a detailed, week-by-week timeline based on Dr. Huq’s experience performing approximately 1,000 facelift and neck lift procedures.
- ~2 weeks Back in public
- 1 month Most swelling resolved
- 3–6 months Final result
The Local
Anesthesia Advantage.
Most deep plane facelifts are performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Huq is one of the few surgeons in Canada who routinely offers the procedure under local anesthesia or TIVA (twilight sedation). He is the Guest Editor of an Elsevier textbook on local anesthesia in plastic surgery — a published authority recognized by the international medical community.
Why does this matter for recovery? General anesthesia introduces systemic effects — nausea, grogginess, fatigue, and a longer period of feeling “off.” Local anesthesia eliminates these. Many of Dr. Huq’s patients feel alert and comfortable within hours, eating normally and moving around their home the same evening.
For patients who prefer general anesthesia, it is available — all such cases are supported by Canadian board-certified FRCPC physician anesthesiologists.
Days 1–3 · The immediate post-operative period
You will leave the clinic with a supportive dressing around your face and neck. For your safety, patients are only discharged with a support person present — a partner, family member, or trusted friend who can drive you home and stay with you for the first night.
There will be noticeable swelling and some bruising, which is entirely normal. Most patients describe the sensation as tightness and pressure rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is managed with prescribed medication and most patients find it very tolerable.
Dr. Huq personally calls every patient after surgery to check on recovery — this is not delegated to staff. Between calls, Vikki and Paulina, our Patient Care Coordinators, are available by email at vikki.npsc@gmail.com, including after office hours. Keep your head elevated, apply cold compresses as directed, and rest.
Days 4–7 · The first week
Swelling typically peaks around days 3 to 4, then begins to subside. Bruising — which varies significantly from patient to patient — begins to shift from purple to yellow-green as it fades.
You will return for your first follow-up appointment, during which Dr. Huq checks your incisions, removes any drains if placed, and assesses your healing. By the end of week one, most patients move around comfortably at home, shower (following post-op instructions), and manage daily tasks.
Week 2 · The turning point
Swelling continues to decrease noticeably each day. Bruising fades significantly — and for most patients, what remains can be concealed with makeup.
You will return for another follow-up appointment. By the end of week two, most patients feel comfortable being seen in public and many return to work and social activities. If your work is physically demanding, Dr. Huq may recommend additional time before full activity.
Weeks 3–4 · Settling in
The majority of visible swelling has resolved. Your face is settling into its new contour, though there is subtle swelling only you would notice. Incision lines, hidden within natural creases and the hairline, continue to mature and fade.
You can gradually resume exercise — starting with walking and light activity. Most patients describe this stage as the point where the result begins to feel like their own face: rested, refreshed, and natural.
Months 2–3 · Refinement
Residual swelling continues to resolve gradually. The tissues settle into their final position, and the result becomes more defined each week. This is the stage where patients often hear: “You look great — have you been on holiday?”
If you combined your deep plane facelift with a neck lift or other additional procedures, those areas are also refining during this period.
Months 3–6 · The final result
By three to six months, the vast majority of healing is complete. The final result — a restored, natural, youthful contour — is what you will see going forward. Subtle improvements may continue for up to a year.
Deep plane facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years. While the aging process continues, you will always look younger than you would have without the procedure. To see examples, visit the photo gallery.
Small Things That
Make Recovery Easier.
Prepare your home before surgery
Stock easy meals, set up a comfortable resting area with extra pillows for head elevation, and have entertainment ready. The first few days are best spent resting.
Follow post-operative instructions carefully
The written instructions you receive are specific to your procedure and healing. When in doubt, ask — do not guess.
Be patient with bruising
Some patients bruise more than others. It does not affect your final result. Avoid bending, lifting, and straining — these raise blood pressure to the face. Let someone else handle household tasks for the first two weeks.
Attend all follow-up appointments
These visits let Dr. Huq monitor your healing and address concerns early. They are an important part of your care.
Understand Recovery,
Then Decide.
If you are considering a deep plane facelift and want to discuss what recovery would look like for you specifically, Dr. Huq will walk you through the entire process during your consultation. You can also [read the FAQ](/deep-plane-facelift-faq/).