Facial surgery might only take a few hours, but recovery is where the real transformation takes shape. Swelling fades, contours refine, and over time, your results begin to feel like a natural part of you. Dr. Bassiri, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Manhattan, works closely with patients throughout this process to make healing as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let’s walk through what recovery really looks like.
Right After Surgery
Recovery begins the moment you open your eyes after surgery. You’ll spend a short time in a comfortable recovery area while Dr. Bassiri’s team makes sure everything is on track. Before heading home, you’ll get clear, personalized instructions (and it’s a good idea to have your ride listen in too, since you’ll be groggy). For the first 24 hours, you’ll need someone by your side to help you get settled and stay comfortable.
Swelling, bruising, and mild drainage are all part of the early healing process and nothing to worry about. You’ll head home with detailed care instructions and easy access to Dr. Bassiri’s office if anything feels off or you just need reassurance.
Next, let’s look at what those first few days at home typically involve.
The First Few Days
The first 72 hours are your body’s reset button. It’s time to slow down, stay still, and let healing take the lead. Swelling typically peaks during this window, especially around the nose, jawline, or eyes, depending on the procedure. While it might feel intense, it’s expected and temporary. Cold compresses and a good stack of pillows can make all the difference.
Here’s what you can expect during this stage:
- Swelling and Bruising: Most noticeable in the first 2–3 days
- Head Elevation: Helps reduce fluid buildup—keep your head propped up even while sleeping
- Medication: Tylenol is often enough, though some patients may use short-term prescriptions
- Food and Movement: Stick to soft meals and avoid chewing or talking too much, especially after facial work
- Skincare Pause: No makeup, serums, or lotions (your skin needs time to breathe)
Dr. Bassiri typically schedules a follow-up visit the day after surgery to remove or adjust dressings, clean the area, and make sure you’re healing as expected. From here, the early intensity begins to fade. Next, let’s take a look at what week one has in store.
Week One
By the end of the first week, many patients start to feel a little more like themselves. Swelling begins to settle, bruising starts to fade, and energy slowly returns. This is when you’ll notice those first signs that healing is moving in the right direction.
Here’s what typically happens during this stretch:
Follow-Up Visit
Around day 7, Dr. Bassiri may remove sutures, splints, or bandages, depending on the procedure.
Swelling & Bruising
Still present but noticeably reduced compared to the first few days.
Facial Sling or Compression
Some patients may switch from heavier dressings to lighter support.
Light Movement
Gentle walks are encouraged, but avoid bending, lifting, or anything that raises blood pressure.
It’s also the point where some patients feel ready to socialize (but hold off on major plans.) You’re healing from the inside out, and the next couple of weeks are just as important for setting the stage for your final results. Let’s move into what you can expect from weeks two through four.
Weeks 2–4: Getting Back to Routine
By the second week, you’ll likely feel more presentable and ready to get back to a rhythm. Most patients are cleared for light work or social activities, as long as they’re not pushing too hard. While swelling continues to taper off, certain areas (like the tip of the nose or lower face) may still look a bit puffy, especially in the mornings.
Here’s what to expect during this phase:
- Return to Work: Many patients feel comfortable going back to non-physical jobs or virtual meetings.
- Social Readiness: Small gatherings are fine, but camera flashes and high-pressure events can wait.
- Activity Restrictions: Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are still on pause (usually until weeks three or four).
- Skin and Makeup: You may be cleared to wear makeup again, but check in with Dr. Bassiri before applying anything near incisions.
- Check-In Appointments: These help monitor progress and offer adjustments if needed.
You’re well past the hardest part, but healing is still unfolding beneath the surface. Let’s look at what the longer-term recovery timeline tends to look like.
Months 1–6: Deeper Healing and Visible Refinement
As the weeks turn into months, your results will continue to evolve. Swelling becomes more subtle, and your features start to settle into their new shape. While you may feel “healed” by this point, the body is still working quietly behind the scenes: refining contours, softening tissue, and smoothing out scar lines. Here’s what typically happens during this stage:
1–3 Months:
- Swelling is mostly gone, though some areas (like the nasal tip or jawline) may hold onto subtle puffiness.
- You’ll see a clearer definition and better symmetry with each passing week.
- Scar tissue begins to soften and fade.
3–6 Months:
- The final shape and contour become more stable.
- You’ll likely be cleared for all activities, including intense workouts and travel.
- If you had rhinoplasty, this is when your nose starts to reflect its intended refinement.
Healing doesn’t follow a straight line, but with time and the right care, everything settles into place! Dr. Bassiri monitors your progress closely and adjusts as needed, so you’re never navigating recovery alone. By the six-month mark, what once felt swollen or unfamiliar often looks (and feels) like it was always meant to be there.
Heal Well, Look Better
The healing process is where the real transformation happens, and you won’t have to go through it alone. Dr. Bassiri is with you every step, checking in, adjusting when needed, and making sure your results feel like you. If you’re ready for results that settle in naturally and last long after the bandages are gone, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bassiri in Manhattan. Your future face starts with a clear plan and a surgeon who sees what’s possible.