As you recover from your facelift, there are a few important things to avoid to help your body heal well.
While this kind of surgery often focuses on deeper facial structures, recovery isn’t just about waiting for bruising or swelling to go down. The first few weeks in particular can have a direct impact on how your face heals, which is why it’s worth knowing what not to do during this time.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the types of activities, habits and movements that you’ll need to avoid after a facelift.
Can you touch or massage your face after surgery?
It’s best that you avoid touching, pressing, or massaging your face after a facelift. Even though you might be tempted to gently feel around the surgical area, especially if something feels a bit tight or uneven, applying any pressure to the area can disrupt the internal healing process.
Facelift surgery typically involves repositioning the deeper layers of the face, including the SMAS layer, which needs time to settle into its new position. Even light massage can move or disturb the tissues while they’re trying to heal, which could affect the long-term result.
If you’re noticing swelling or areas that feel a bit firm, speak to your surgeon before trying any massage or compression techniques on your own. In most cases, those sensations tend to improve over time without needing any extra handling.
Is it okay to bend over or strain the body?
Any movements that involve bending from the waist or straining, such as lifting heavy objects or overreaching, can increase pressure in the face and neck. This rise in pressure may cause bleeding or bruising in the surgical area, particularly in the first couple of weeks. Even if the face looks like it’s healing well from the outside, the internal layers are still vulnerable to stress.
You may find that your surgeon recommends keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping, for a short period. This helps reduce swelling and also avoids unnecessary strain on the surgical sites.
When can you start exercising again?
It’s important that you avoid intense physical activity after a facelift, especially within the first few weeks. High-impact or high-intensity workouts can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which increases the risk of swelling, bleeding, or other complications.
Even cardio-based exercise like walking briskly or cycling indoors can place more strain on the healing areas than you may realise. It’s always best to check with your surgeon before reintroducing any form of exercise.
For most patients, light walking around the house or garden is encouraged quite early on, since it supports circulation and helps lower the risk of blood clots. However, any sort of structured exercise routine will need to wait until your surgeon has confirmed that your face has recovered enough for that next step.
Should you avoid skincare and makeup?
In the early stages of healing, your skin will be more fragile than usual, especially around the incision sites. You’ll need to avoid applying makeup, facial cleansers, exfoliants, or any skincare products unless your surgeon has specifically said it’s okay.
Many skincare products contain ingredients that can be irritating to healing skin, particularly if there are open or healing incisions nearby. Makeup can also introduce bacteria to the area and may increase the risk of infection if applied too soon.
When you are eventually able to resume skincare and makeup, use gentle, non-irritating products at first and avoid any harsh scrubs or active ingredients until your skin feels back to normal.
You’ll also need to avoid facial treatments of any kind, whether that’s facials, chemical peels or laser-based treatments, until you’ve had your post-op reviews.
When can you go back to work?
Heading back to work too early or trying to jump back into a normal social routine can sometimes interfere with how your face heals, especially if it involves lots of movement.
If your work is physically demanding or requires you to be on your feet for long hours, you’ll likely need more time before returning. And even for less physical roles, your surgeon may still suggest a few weeks of downtime to avoid any setbacks.
Are there any sleeping positions to avoid?
How you sleep after a facelift can affect your healing. You’ll need to avoid sleeping flat on your back or on your side for a little while after surgery. Lying down flat can increase swelling, while sleeping on your side or stomach can put pressure on the face.
Most patients are advised to sleep with their head slightly elevated on a few pillows, or to use a wedge pillow, for at least a couple of weeks after surgery. This position supports blood flow and helps minimise fluid buildup around the face.
If you’re someone who normally sleeps on your side, it might take a few nights to adjust, but keeping your head elevated and protected will reduce the risk of putting pressure on the healing tissues.
Is sun exposure something to avoid?
You’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure after a facelift, especially while your skin is still healing. New incisions are very sensitive to sunlight, and exposure can increase the chance of pigmentation changes around the scars.
Even once the surface healing has progressed, it’s still best to protect your face from strong sunlight for the next few months. Using high-SPF sunscreen when you go outside can help limit UV exposure without applying too much pressure to the skin.
Until your incisions are fully healed and no longer red or raised, it’s a good idea to be extra cautious around the sun, whether you’re out for a walk or just sitting by a window.
Why alcohol and smoking should be avoided
Both alcohol and smoking can interfere with the healing process after surgery. Alcohol can thin the blood and increase swelling or bruising, while smoking reduces blood flow, which can slow down how the tissues repair.
If you’ve had a facelift, your surgeon will usually ask you to avoid both alcohol and smoking for a period of time before and after surgery. This allows your circulation to support the healing tissues properly and reduces the chance of wound-related issues.
Get personalised facelift recovery advice with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt in Sydney
If you’re considering facelift surgery and want to speak to someone who can walk you through the process properly, including what to expect during recovery, it’s worth booking a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon who takes a patient focused approach to every surgery, including ensuring that recovery instructions align with each patient’s needs. During a consultation, he’ll be able to assess your facial structure, ensure that you have realistic expectations, and explain what you’ll need to do – and not do – after your procedure.
Please contact our team to discuss how to schedule your consultation in our Wollongong or Woollahra, Sydney locations.
