Question: I’ve heard the results of the facelift are not immediately apparent after surgery. Why is this and how long does it take for them to become apparent?
Answer: Some of the results of a facelift can be appreciated immediately following the surgery, but the full effect is not. This is mainly due to swelling and bruising of the facial tissues after surgery. These effects can be minimized by applying cold compresses and wearing post-operative support garments, as well as some medications that help reduce bruising, such as arnica. After about one month, the majority of swelling will have resolved, and patients will have a general idea of their rejuvenated appearance. It can take several additional months for swelling to be completely gone and the final result to be apparent.