Your recovery from an Endotine facelift may take several weeks to months for full results to be visible, with much of the initial swelling and bruising resolving in the first 2 weeks.

Immediately After Surgery (First 24-48 Hours)

- Could have significant swelling and bruising, particularly around the face and neck. Swelling will peak during the first 48-72 hours. Afterward, warm compresses may be recommended to promote healing.
- Your face will feel tight and may be slightly numb due to the surgical procedure and swelling.
- Your incisions may be bandaged or dressed. Keep them clean and dry as per your surgeon's instructions.
- Keep your head elevated at all times, especially when sleeping, to reduce swelling. Use extra pillows or a recliner.
- Apply cold compresses or ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising.
- Do not bend over, lift heavy objects, or engage in any strenuous activities.
- Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods. You may feel tenderness or tightness in the mouth and face, so avoid anything too chewy or tough.

First 2 Weeks After Surgery
- Swelling and bruising will start to decrease, but you may still experience some puffiness, especially around the eyes and jawline.
- The incisions will begin to heal, and you may notice some scabbing or crusting. The initial redness should start to fade by the end of two weeks.
- You might experience some numbness, tingling, or tightness in the skin, particularly around the incision areas. This is normal and should improve over time.
- Follow your surgeon's instructions for caring for your incisions. You may be advised to gently wash the area with a mild cleanser or use a prescribed ointment.
- Protect your face from direct sunlight, as your skin will be more sensitive and vulnerable to pigmentation changes.
- Limit physical activity to light walking. Avoid anything that might cause your heart rate to increase significantly, such as vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.

After 1 Month
- Swelling should be largely reduced, but you might still experience minor swelling in certain areas. Your face should feel more natural and less tight by now. Also some bruising should mostly be gone, though some residual discoloration may persist.
- Incisions will have healed, but might still appear pink or slightly raised. Scarring will continue to improve in the coming months.
- Your facial appearance should be more refined, with the lifting effects of the procedure becoming clearer. However, the final results are not yet fully visible.
- You may begin using scar creams or silicone sheets to reduce scarring. Applying sunscreen daily is critical to prevent darkening of scars.
- Gradually resume light activities, but avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks. You may be able to return to work at this point (if its a non-physically demanding job).
- Keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers and drink plenty of water to promote healing.

Long-Term Recovery (36 Months and Beyond)
- Swelling should be mostly gone, and the full results of your facelift will begin to become evident. The final facial contour and lift will become clearer as the tissues continue to settle.
- The incisions will continue to mature. They may initially appear red or raised but should soften and fade over time, often becoming barely noticeable after a year.  Some people experience lingering numbness or sensitivity in the facial skin, especially around the incisions. This typically resolves within 3-6 months.
- You can now resume all types of exercise, but be sure to ease into more intense activities gradually.
- By 6 months, the lifting effects of your surgery should be fully visible. The final results will continue to improve over the next year as the skin fully adjusts.

The Deep Plane Facelift involves lifting not just the skin, but also the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer, which is the deeper tissue structure beneath the skin. By repositioning this layer along with the skin, the surgeon can achieve more dramatic and long-lasting results, particularly around the lower face, jawline, and neck area.

- Focus on Deeper Layers of the Face : While traditional facelifts may only lift the skin, the deep plane technique lifts both the skin and the underlying SMAS layer. This deeper lift addresses the sagging of facial fat pads and muscles, rather than just pulling on the skin.By releasing the SMAS and repositioning it along with the skin, a more dramatic and long-lasting result is achieved, which looks more natural because it preserves the natural contours of the face.

-Reduces the Risk of "Pulled" or "Tight" Look : The key benefit of the deep plane technique is that it allows for a more natural result because it doesnt just stretch the skin. The result is a smoother, more harmonious rejuvenation that restores youthful facial contours without the overdone or pulled appearance that can sometimes occur with more superficial facelift techniques. The repositioning of the deeper tissues also provides a more subtle lift of the jowls and neck, helping to restore definition to the jawline and improve neck contours.

-Improved Jawline and Neck Contour : The deep plane facelift offers a more effective lift for the lower face and neck area than traditional methods. It can smooth out deep nasolabial folds, tighten the skin under the chin, and define the jawline by repositioning the deeper tissues, rather than just trimming excess skin. The technique can also improve the overall appearance of the neck, lifting sagging skin and addressing neck bands or fat that contribute to a "turkey neck" appearance.

-Longer-Lasting Results : Because the underlying tissues are repositioned and secured, the results of a deep plane facelift are typically longer-lasting than those of a traditional facelift. The effects can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, making it a good option for patients looking for more permanent rejuvenation.
The deep plane facelift also typically requires fewer revisions than other methods, due to the more thorough lift.

- Incisions: The incisions for a deep plane facelift are similar to those of a traditional facelift, often starting in the hairline near the temples, extending around the ears, and ending in the lower scalp. However, the technique involves deeper dissection of the facial tissue beneath the skin.

As with any major surgical procedure, a Deep Plane Facelift carries certain risks and potential complications. While the procedure is generally safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, its important to be aware of the risks involved and understand how to minimize them through proper preoperative care, surgical technique, and post-operative instructions. 

- Infection : Any surgery that involves incisions carries the risk of infection, which can occur at the incision sites or in deeper tissues you would have Redness, warmth, swelling, unusual discharge, or fever. To Prevent infection, Proper hygiene, wound care, and following the surgeon's aftercare instructions can help reduce the risk. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics

Hematoma and Seroma (Blood or Fluid Accumulation) : seroma is a collection of fluid. Both can occur in the early stages of recovery and may cause swelling, discomfort, and an increased risk of infection.you would have excessive swelling, pain, or the sensation of fluid under the skin. Hematomas may require drainage, and seromas may resolve on their own or with drainage. Following your surgeons instructions to avoid excessive movement and pressure on the face in the early recovery stages can help reduce the risk.