A large bandage is placed over the head and face to help maintain pressure over the areas that have been tightened.  Suction drains are usually placed and will be removed on the first post-operative day.  For the first night it is important to relax with your head elevated.  The incisions are covered by the dressing so there will not be any wound care for the first day.  The day after surgery, at the first post-operative visit, the dressings and suction drains will be removed.  Your hair is washed and a lighter weight dressing will be replaced.  It is inevitable for bruising and swelling to develop after a facelift and this will gradually subside over the next 10 to 14 days.  Camouflage make-up may be used at 1 week to help cover the bruised areas.    

It is normal to have some swelling and numbness around the earlobes, and numbness of the skin over the face and neck for several weeks after surgery.  Strenuous activity should be avoided for the first two weeks, but after this you should be able to return to full activity.  You should keep the incision lines clean and moisturized with ointments to help maximize the healing results.  An elastic bandage will be provided that is taken on and off as needed and may be worn at night for the first few weeks after surgery.