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.