Eating after a facelift might not sound like something you’d need to plan carefully, but it’s actually an important part of recovery. The way you eat, what you eat, and how soon you return to normal foods can all affect your healing process. Since a facelift involves delicate tissues around the lower face, cheeks and neck, being mindful of your diet early on can help reduce unnecessary strain and support your recovery overall.
So, when can you start eating normally after a facelift, and what should you avoid in the meantime? Let’s go through what to expect and how to transition your diet gradually as you heal.
How soon can you eat after facelift surgery?
Straight after the facelift surgery, your mouth and jaw area will feel tight and possibly swollen. Chewing can be uncomfortable at first, especially in the first few days. Most patients start with very soft foods or liquids soon after their procedure, depending on how they feel and the advice given by their surgeon.
You’ll likely still be under the effects of anaesthesia and pain relief during the first 24 hours, so your appetite might not be strong initially. Starting with water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broths helps keep you hydrated without overworking your facial muscles. From there, you can gradually introduce thicker liquids like smoothies, soups and yoghurts.
Your surgeon will generally recommend avoiding solid or chewy foods for at least the first few days. This allows the facial tissues and incisions to settle without strain from jaw movement. Every facelift is slightly different, so your own timeline might vary depending on the extent of the surgery and how your body responds in the early stages of recovery.
When can you return to solid foods?
As the swelling and stiffness start to ease, you can begin adding in more solid foods. This stage usually starts around a week after surgery, though it may take a little longer for some patients. The main factor is comfort – if opening your mouth or chewing causes discomfort or tension, it’s better to wait a bit longer before introducing tougher foods.
Soft, easy-to-chew options like mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs, or tender fish are good choices to start with. These foods don’t require much movement from your jaw, which reduces the risk of pulling on the incisions or increasing swelling. It’s also best to avoid very hot foods early on, as temperature can influence swelling and sensitivity around the surgical sites.
By the second or third week, most patients find that eating feels more natural again, with a noticeable reduction in tightness. However, even when you’re able to eat more normally, it’s important that you don’t rush back into foods that are hard to chew, like tough meats or crusty bread. The tissues beneath the skin are still healing, and even though you might feel more comfortable, the deeper layers continue to recover for several more weeks.
What foods should you avoid during facelift recovery?
While you don’t need to follow a strict diet, there are certain foods and drinks that are better avoided during facelift recovery. Salty foods can contribute to fluid retention, which may increase swelling. Processed foods high in sodium are best kept to a minimum in the first few weeks.
It’s also wise to avoid alcohol for at least two weeks, as it can thin the blood and interfere with the healing process. Alcohol may also react with prescribed medications, so your surgeon will likely recommend holding off until you’ve finished any antibiotics or pain relief.
Hard, chewy or crunchy foods can put strain on your facial muscles and potentially disrupt stitches or internal healing. Foods like steak, nuts, raw carrots, and chewy sweets are better reintroduced later when your jaw feels more relaxed and stable.
Lastly, caffeine can cause dehydration, which isn’t ideal during recovery. While one mild coffee a day might not be an issue, keeping your hydration levels up with water or herbal teas is a better option during this time.
Can chewing affect your recovery?
Yes, chewing does place some strain on the muscles and tissues that were operated on during a facelift. The muscles around the jaw and lower face are directly involved in mastication (chewing), so overworking them too soon can lead to discomfort or swelling.
This is why surgeons often recommend soft foods for the first week or two – it limits unnecessary movement while allowing your body to focus on healing. Some patients also experience temporary stiffness in the lower face and neck due to swelling, which can make chewing physically harder. This stiffness usually improves gradually as swelling subsides and tissues begin to relax.
If you notice persistent pain when chewing or any unusual pulling sensations, it’s a good idea to slow down your transition to solid foods and check in with your surgeon at your next review.
How long does it take before you can eat completely normally again?
For most patients, returning to a completely normal diet – including foods that require more chewing or biting – typically happens around four to six weeks after surgery. By this point, the swelling and tightness have usually reduced enough to make chewing comfortable again.
However, this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the facelift and how your body heals. If your surgeon performed additional procedures at the same time, such as a neck lift or fat transfer, your recovery period may be a little longer.
Even once you’ve returned to normal eating habits, it’s still best to be mindful of any lingering tightness or discomfort when eating tougher foods. Taking smaller bites and chewing slowly can help avoid unnecessary strain as your tissues continue to strengthen.
Book your consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney
Led by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt, our team plastic surgeons, clinicians and administration staff are passionate about providing you with a surgical experience of the highest standard.
If you’re thinking about undergoing a facelift, you are welcome to contact our team to book a consultation with Dr Hunt or another experienced surgeon in Sydney.
Further reading about facelift with Dr Hunt:
- What is a facelift (Rhytidectomy)?
- How much does facelift surgery cost in Sydney?
- How to prepare for face lift surgery?
- What questions to ask your surgeon before facelift?
- Are there any age restrictions for facelift surgery?
- Does facelift surgery leave scars?
- What is a jowl lift (lower facelift)?
- What can you expect after facelift surgery (day by day)?
- How to reduce bruising and swelling after face lift surgery?
- How to sleep after facelift surgery?
- What should I know about the post-facelift facial massage?
- How to protect your face from the sun after facelift surgery?
- What should you not do after a facelift?
- What procedures can I combine with a facelift?
- How to prepare for a face lift consultation?
- How lifestyle habits can affect face lift results?
Medical references about facelift:
- https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/facelift-surgery/
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/facelift
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11023-facelift
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/facelift-meloplasty
- https://www.realself.com/surgical/facelift