{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Dataset","name":"Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline","description":"Six-phase day-by-day recovery timeline from the first 72 hours through final result at month 6-12.","url":"https://deepplane.com/recovery","dateModified":"2026-04-01","count":6,"phases":[{"id":"day-0-3","label":"Day 0-3: Immediate Post-Op","window":"First 72 hours","summary":"Highest risk window. Swelling peaks days 2-3; hematoma risk highest days 0-2. Pain managed with prescribed medication; typically 3-4/10, described as tightness.","milestones":["Drains removed day 1 if used","Head elevated 30-45° continuously","First face wash approximately day 2","Dressings replaced day 1-2"],"restrictions":["No bending, lifting over 5 lb, or bearing down","No hot showers or heat to face","No alcohol","No NSAIDs (raise bleeding risk)"]},{"id":"day-4-7","label":"Day 4-7: Early Healing","window":"Days 4 through 7","summary":"Swelling plateaus then begins to decrease. Bruising migrates downward into neck. Most patients comfortable moving around the house.","milestones":["Light walking encouraged","Bruising begins to yellow","Early sensation of tightness peaks","Sleep improving"],"restrictions":["Continue head elevation while sleeping","No strenuous activity","No makeup on incisions until cleared"]},{"id":"week-2","label":"Week 2: Suture Removal","window":"Days 7-14","summary":"Sutures removed at day 7-10. Swelling continues to reduce — patient looks more recognizable. Most can return to desk work at day 10-14.","milestones":["Sutures removed day 7-10","First post-op photo","Desk work resumable day 10-14","Scar care protocol begins"],"restrictions":["No vigorous exercise","No bending at the waist repeatedly","Sun avoidance on incisions"]},{"id":"week-3-4","label":"Week 3-4: Social Recovery","window":"Days 14-28","summary":"Residual swelling masked by makeup. Most patients return to social activities. Tightness easing; first real sense of the outcome.","milestones":["Social presentability achieved","Light exercise clearable at ~week 3","Numbness around ears persists but acceptable","Scar maturation begins"],"restrictions":["No high-impact exercise until week 4-6","Sun protection critical on incisions"]},{"id":"month-1-3","label":"Month 1-3: Tissue Settling","window":"Weeks 4 through 12","summary":"Deep swelling resolves gradually. Final midface and neck contour emerges. Scars transition from pink to pale over months 2-3.","milestones":["All exercise typically cleared by week 6-8","Nerve sensation returning","Scars lighten","Final hairline position visible"],"restrictions":["Continue sun protection","Silicone scar therapy recommended"]},{"id":"month-6-12","label":"Month 6-12: Final Result","window":"Months 6-12","summary":"80-90% of final result visible at month 3; full tissue settling and scar maturation complete by month 6-12. Results then remain stable for ~10-15 years.","milestones":["Final result established","Scars fully mature (faint, skin-tone)","No residual numbness in most patients","Annual sun-protection habit established"],"restrictions":["Normal activity with no restrictions"]}],"disclaimer":"Individual recovery varies. These are typical ranges, not medical advice.","medicallyReviewedBy":"Dr. Yakup Duman","citation":"Source: DeepPlane.com Recovery Guide (https://deepplane.com/recovery)"}