Recovery
When you're back at work, at the gym, and done healing.
The question everyone asks second, after price. These are the typical milestones; your written plan carries your own.
| Procedure | Desk work | Exercise | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift | 14 days | 4 weeks | lasts 8 to 12 years |
| Rhinoplasty | 7 days | 4 weeks | permanent |
| Eyelid surgery | 7 days | 2 weeks | lasts 10+ years |
| Neck lift | 10 days | 3 weeks | lasts 8 to 10 years |
| Breast augmentation | 5 days | 6 weeks | Settles over 3 to 6 months; implants reviewed at 10 years |
| Breast lift | 7 days | 6 weeks | scars fade over 12 to 18 months |
| Breast reduction | 10 days | 6 weeks | Relief is immediate; shape final at 6 months |
| Tummy tuck | 14 days | 6 weeks | Final at 6 to 12 months |
| Liposuction | 4 days | 3 weeks | Contour final at 3 to 6 months |
| Mommy makeover | 21 days | 8 weeks | Final at 6 to 12 months |
| Fat transfer | 7 days | 4 weeks | Final at 3 to 6 months; some of the fat is reabsorbed |
| Liquid facelift | Same day | No restriction | lasts 9 to 18 months |
The first two weeks, for most surgery
- Day 0
Home with a companion, or to an overnight nurse for facelifts, tummy tucks, and combined procedures. The surgeon calls that evening.
- Days 1 to 3
Rest, short walks every few hours, medication on schedule. First dressing check in the office.
- Week 1
Stitches or splints out where applicable. Bruising peaks and fades. Most people feel like themselves by day 5.
- Week 2
Desk work and driving for most procedures. Still swollen, clearly improving.
- Weeks 4 to 8
Exercise in stages. Scar care begins. Clothes fit differently.
- Months 3 to 12
Swelling resolves, scars fade, the final result emerges. Photos, with consent, at 6 and 12 months.