Recovery

Your Recovery from Facial Plastic Surgery

Your recovery from your facial plastic surgery procedure is part of the journey. Exactly what it entails varies depending on the type and extent of surgery or surgeries, your body's own regenerative powers and whether or not you develop any complications.

In general, expect some bruising, swelling and soreness on or around the treated area. You may also experience some emotional ups and downs after your surgery. This is normal. There are side effects and risks that are specific to each procedure. Please refer to the information page on the procedure you are interested in for more on what to expect during your recovery.

The best way to maximize your outcome and minimize your risks is to follow your postoperative instructions carefully. This means taking your antibiotics as prescribed to stave off infection. It also means taking care of the treated area and sleeping with your upper body elevated to reduce swelling. If you quit smoking before your surgery, try not to start again. The first smoke-free days and weeks are the hardest, so don't give up when you have already made such tremendous progress. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen your tissues get while you are healing, and can cause problems with wound healing.

During your recovery, if something doesn't seem right, call your doctor. Red flags that there may be a problem include:

  • Pus or discharge from your incision areas
  • Uncontrollable pain
  • Temperature over 101° F
  • Uncontrollable dizziness

Other more serious, but rare, side effects warrant a visit to the emergency room. They include:

  • Spitting up blood
  • Abrupt or severe swelling and discoloration
  • Blackening of the skin (not a bruise)
  • Uncontrollable vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Temperature above 105° F
  • Convulsions

Emergency Contact List

Before your surgery, fill out the following important numbers for future reference and make sure they are easily accessible at all times during your recovery from your facial rejuvenation procedure.

Surgeon:

Emergency On-call Physician:

Hospital:

Pharmacy:

Other:


  • Halaas 58x57

    Yael Halaas, MD, FACS

    60 East 56th Street
    3rd Floor
    New York, NY 10022
    (332) 239-6439


  • P

    Cosmetic Surgery Associates of New York

    465 Columbus Avenue
    370
    Valhalla, NY 10595
    (914) 421-0113


  • P

    Min S. Ahn MD
    FACS

    The Aesthetic Wellness Center
    2 Connector Road, #2C
    Westborough, MA 01581
    508-366-2020