Deep Plane Facelift Recovery — Week 3
Week 3 is the transition week. Most outward signs of surgery are fading, you can usually return to in-person work, and you start to notice the contour result emerging.
Quick Answer
When can I return to work after a deep plane facelift?
Most patients return to in-person work at week 3, with light desk work possible from day 10–14. Slight residual jawline swelling is normal but typically not noticeable to others. Light makeup covers any remaining redness. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until week 4–6, when full exercise clearance is given.
Source: DeepPlane.com
Return to in-person work
By the start of week 3, most patients return to in-person work. Slight residual swelling around the jawline is normal but typically not noticeable to others — especially if you didn\'t tell anyone.
Reintroducing exercise — slowly
Start with brisk walking and light stationary cycling. No weight training, no inversions, no high-intensity cardio until week 4 at the earliest.
Scar care begins
Once incisions are fully closed and scabs have fallen off, daily scar massage with silicone gel or sheet starts. This is the most important step for invisible long-term scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medical References
- [1]Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [2]Barrera A. Refinements in the deep-plane facelift technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):290-301(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21