If you’re considering a facelift in Dunwoody, Georgia or nearby Sandy Springs, you’re likely excited about the results — but let’s talk about what happens after surgery. That’s where the real transformation begins.
At ESJ Aesthetics, we guide our patients through every step of the healing process, ensuring that recovery is safe, supported, and empowering.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a week-by-week facelift recovery timeline. From compression wraps and suture removal to makeup tips and subtle glow-up milestones, you’ll know exactly what to expect — and when. Because here in Dunwoody, we believe plastic surgery should be personal, powerful, and beautifully managed.
Immediately after your facelift, you’ll wear a compression head dressing designed to reduce swelling and support skin reattachment. At this stage, you’ll also have soft silicone surgical drains in place to prevent fluid buildup and hematomas.
As your plastic surgeon in Dunwoody, I like to see all facelift patients within 24–48 hours. That early check-in allows me to monitor for:
Thanks to the face’s excellent blood supply and sterile surgical technique, these issues are rare — but we still check closely. That’s part of the patient-first care philosophy at ESJ Aesthetics.
This is the “peak week” for swelling and bruising — especially in deep plane facelifts.
Between Day 5–7, we often begin suture removal, sometimes in stages depending on your healing progress. Your pain should be well-managed with minimal medication by now.
We also encourage:
As a trusted plastic surgeon serving Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, my goal is to keep you informed, comfortable, and confident through every step.
This is when the emotional “lift” starts to match the physical one.
Patients often ask, “Can I wear makeup yet?”
We recommend waiting until at least Day 10, and even then, only if absolutely necessary (think professional obligations or public events).
If you do apply makeup, keep it:
This phase marks the return of your appetite, energy, and optimism — a reminder that your plastic surgery journey in Dunwoody is about more than your reflection. It’s about how you feel inside, too.
By now, you’re easing back into life. You may:
Facial tightness is subsiding, swelling continues to fade, and your expressions feel natural again. At this point, facelift patients from across Georgia start hearing compliments like, “You look great… did you go on vacation?”
Spoiler alert: you just healed beautifully.
This is the refinement stage. You’re no longer “healing” — you’re glowing.
From Week 6 to 12, your skin settles, nerves regenerate, and subtle contours come into view:
Most importantly? You feel re-energized. My patients often say:
At ESJ Aesthetics in Dunwoody, we don’t just perform surgery — we guide transformations. We’ll continue seeing you during this period with spaced-out appointments, ensuring long-term healing and satisfaction.
From the first consultation to your final post-op glow, Dr. Earl Stephenson and the ESJ Aesthetics team are here with:
Ready to feel like yourself again? Let’s start the conversation today.
🔗 www.esjaesthetics.com
📞 (770) 464-4700
📍 Serving Atlanta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Roswell, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and North Georgia
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