When Should Bruising Subside After a VIP Facelift?
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After undergoing facial rejuvenation surgery, it's only natural to wonder how long it will take for swelling and bruising to resolve. At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics near Oklahoma City, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan performs a unique and highly specialized procedure referred to as the VIP facelift, which combines fat transfer, deep tissue tightening, and skin repositioning for a more comprehensive and lasting outcome. While some swelling and bruising are expected in the days following the procedure, many patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they start to look and feel more like themselves again, which may be as soon as 1 – 2 weeks.
If you're considering facelift surgery and want to know what to expect during facelift recovery, keep reading to learn when bruising should begin to fade and what you can do to support a smooth healing process.
What's included in facelift surgery?
Unlike traditional facelifts that focus primarily on skin tightening, the VIP facelift is designed to treat the deeper causes of facial aging. By incorporating facial fat transfer and deep tissue work, Dr. Sawan is able to restore lost volume and lift sagging facial features in a way that looks remarkably natural. The procedure often begins with liposuction from a donor area of the body — like the abdomen — to harvest fat for facial fat grafting.
The fat is then carefully injected into strategic areas of the face to address hollow cheeks, sunken temples, or deep folds. This layered, full-face approach to facelift surgery allows for more youthful, balanced results and can help patients look years younger without appearing overdone.
What do VIP facelift long-term results look like?
The VIP facelift is designed to produce both immediate and long-lasting improvements by addressing multiple signs of aging at once. Over time, the fat grafts integrate into facial tissue, giving patients softer volume and a more refreshed appearance that evolves naturally. This approach also often minimizes the need for repeat fillers or additional surgeries in the near future. Some of the most common concerns improved with a VIP facelift include:
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Jowls or a sagging jawline
- Hollow or sunken cheeks
- Volume loss around the temples and under the eyes
- Wrinkles and facial creases
- Loose or drooping facial skin
With proper skincare and sun protection, many patients enjoy their results for ten years or longer — with the added benefit of avoiding the tight or pulled look that can sometimes occur with older facelift methods
What should I expect after facelift surgery?
It's normal to experience swelling and bruising in the face, neck, and around the eyes in the first few days after a VIP facelift. Because the procedure involves both surgery and fat transfer, these side effects can be slightly more noticeable compared to skin-only facelifts. However, most men and women find their pain after facelift surgery — described more as discomfort vs. pain — to be manageable with the support of medications, cold compresses, and rest.
To minimize side effects after facelift surgery, we recommend following aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Sawan and avoiding things that could increase inflammation after a facelift, such as strenuous activity, blood-thinning supplements, or excessive sun exposure.
When does bruising go away after a facelift with fat transfer?
Each patient heals at their own pace, but most people see a significant reduction in facelift bruising by the end of week two. In some cases, light discoloration may persist slightly longer, especially around areas where fat was injected. You can expect the majority of visible bruising to resolve within 10 – 14 days, allowing you to begin returning to social activities and work sooner than you may have expected. It's important to keep in mind that while bruising after a facelift fades relatively quickly, it may take several weeks for facelift swelling to subside and for optimal results to take shape — though most patients emphatically agree that the short waiting period for full facelift results to develop is well worth their youthful new look and renewed self-confidence.
Look younger, feel better, and recover comfortably in Oklahoma City, OK with a VIP facelift
If you're searching for a facelift that looks natural and provides long-lasting results with minimal downtime, Oklahoma City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan offers a personalized VIP approach designed to help you look your best at almost any age. Contact our friendly team at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics today to schedule your consultation and find out if a VIP facelift is right for you.