| Days 1–3 | Bandages and peak swelling; cold compresses for the first 48 hours, head elevated 30–45°. Light walking from day one — encouraged, it lowers clot risk. |
| Days 7–10 | Soft-diet phase ends; head elevation continues. Bruising begins to fade. |
| Days 10–14 | Desk work feels realistic for most people. |
| Weeks 2–3 | Major swelling subsides — most patients are comfortable in public. Alcohol can resume after week two. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Public-facing and on-camera roles; swelling 70–80% resolved, light makeup covers the rest. Light cardio once the surgeon has seen the incisions. |
| Weeks 4–6 | Strenuous exercise cleared; side sleeping usually allowed. No smoking or nicotine for the full six weeks. |
| Months 3–6 | Residual swelling resolves quietly; the contour at month 6 is essentially the final result. |
| Month 12 | Scar maturation completes; judge incision lines and hairline only now. |