December 19, 2025 | Facelift
5 minute read
This blog provides an overview of the deep plane facelift, before detailing major recovery milestones for the procedure, so readers can be informed on what to expect from this transformative procedure.
What Is Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Like?
A deep plane facelift is considered the ultimate in facial rejuvenation surgery, as the procedure offers more intensive and long-lasting results compared to other, less invasive options such as a mini facelift or endoscopic facelift. This is in part due to the nature of this procedure: rather than lifting just the superficial structures and skin, the deep plane facelift centers on repositioning deeper structures of the face, below the SMAS layer, and cutting facial ligaments for more precise repositioning of all facial structures.
Deep plane facelifts are more complex and require an experienced and adept surgeon, like Dr. Nirav Savalia who is a facial plastic surgeon expert. When all the pieces fall together, the results are incredible. Because this procedure deals with deep structures, the recovery period can be more involved—but the results are more than worth the extra care. Below, we’ll detail what you can expect from the deep plane facelift recovery period to help you prepare and be ready for this transformational procedure.
Initial Healing Stages: Days 1–5
After your deep plane facelift, you will be kept for an overnight stay in Dr. Savalia’s ambulatory surgical center. Ointment will be applied on all incisions to promote the initial healing process. Once you are cleared to go home, you will be released to the care of a trusted friend or family member. Dr. Savalia will send you home with specific instructions for rest, recovery, and eventual acclimation to daily activities.
In the first few days, your swelling and bruising will increase, peaking around day five of recovery. This will be the most uncomfortable part of your recovery. Take all prescription and over-the-counter medications as directed by Dr. Savalia.
In these initial days, you’ll likely feel very low-energy. Your body will be spending all of its energy on healing, so you’ll need to prioritize rest above all else. Sleeping with your head elevated can be beneficial in reducing swelling, as can light facial massage and cold compresses. As you start to regain some strength, you can increase your blood circulation by taking careful walks around the house. Be sure to listen to your body and rest when you are tired.
Primary Recovery: Weeks 1–2
After your first full week of recovery, you can start to see some improvement in swelling and bruising, although your face will still feel tight, with some numbness and tingling. Your incisions may be sensitive, as well. Follow your aftercare instructions for how to care for them.
You will have frequent follow-up appointments with Dr. Savalia during your first two weeks of recovery, during which you may have sutures removed.
Your energy will continue to increase as you heal, and you will likely start to feel back to your old self around week two. This is the point at which most patients feel up to leaving the house for short periods, such as running errands. After week two, the majority of your bruising and swelling should be reduced significantly. You should be able to return to most of your daily activities, with some key limitations such as strenuous exercise, bending and lifting, and any activity that puts pressure on your incisions.
Increase in Regular Activity: Weeks 3–6
Most patients feel confident enough to return to work after their third week of recovery, and can wear makeup to cover any residual bruising, if they prefer. Your incisions should be sealed at this point, though they will still be tender to the touch, raised, and darker in color. Dr. Savalia can advise when it is best to begin scar care and prevention, such as using silicone patches and scar ointments.
The next few weeks will see marked improvement in swelling, with your skin beginning to feel more normal, as numbness and tingling reduce. Be advised, however, that it’s also normal for these sensations to persist for some time after initial healing.
Dr. Savalia may clear you to resume more strenuous exercise after your sixth week of recovery. Be sure to continue listening to your body when you tire or need to rest; cosmetic surgery is still a traumatic event for the body, and healing takes a lot of energy. However, at this point, most patients feel much stronger and energetic, and much like their old selves again.
You should be able to see the beginnings of your final results, too. Your mid-face will be more lifted, youthful, and contoured. Your deep creases around the mouth and nose are eliminated, and your neck and jawline have a more sculpted look.
Final Results: 6 Months and Beyond
Deep plane facelift results can take some time to finalize; It’s not uncommon for patients to feel some residual numbness around the incisions, or to have minute swelling that is really only visible to themselves and their surgeons.
But after this recovery period, the results are significant. Deep plane facelifts yield some of the best results of any facial rejuvenation procedure, reducing the telltale signs of aging to reveal you, but younger, more refreshed, and contoured. You can expect to enjoy your deep plane results for years to come.
Interested in a Deep Plane Facelift in Newport Beach, CA?
Dr. Nirav Savalia is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing deep plane facelifts to the great satisfaction of his patients. He focuses on natural-looking results and takes great care to perform each deep plane facelift with a meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to protecting his patients’ authentic beauty. Call Savalia Plastic Surgery today at (949) 759-0980 or complete the online contact form to request a deep plane facelift consultation with Dr. Savalia.
