The Recovery Process for Facial Cosmetic Surgery: What to Expect

Facial cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing experience, but it's important to understand that the recovery process can take some time. Dr. Jason Champagne, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has extensive experience in helping patients through the recovery process. In this post, we will discuss what to expect during the recovery process for facial cosmetic surgery.

The First Few Days

Immediately after your procedure, you will likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising. How much will greatly depend on which procedure/s, whether surgical or not, that you receive. Dr. Champagne will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may feel if necessary. You may also be instructed to use ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising.

It's important to rest and avoid any strenuous activity during the first few days of your recovery. Dr. Champagne will also provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and any dressings that need to be changed. Or in the case of some non-surgical procedures like Customized Facial Filler injections or skin care procedures, what to do and what not to do while healing.

The First Week

During the first week of your recovery, you will likely still experience some swelling and bruising. However, these symptoms should start to improve as the days go by. You may be able to return to work or other daily activities, but it's important to continue to avoid any strenuous activity or exercise.

It's also important to keep your head elevated when lying down to help reduce swelling. Dr. Champagne may recommend using a special pillow or sleeping in a recliner to keep your head elevated. Again, the level at which you need to care for your symptoms is greatly dependent on which procedure you receive.

The First Month

By the end of the first month of your recovery, most of the swelling and bruising should be gone. However, you may still experience some mild swelling, especially in the morning or after exercise.

At this point, you may be able to resume more strenuous activities, but it's important to check with Dr. Champagne before doing so. He will be able to give you specific instructions based on your individual recovery progress.

It's also important to continue to protect your incisions (if you've undergone a surgical procedure) from the sun and avoid any direct sun exposure. Dr. Champagne may recommend using a high SPF sunscreen or wearing a hat to protect your skin.

Long-Term Recovery

After the first month of your recovery, you should be feeling much better and seeing the results of your surgery. However, it's important to remember that for some surgical procedures, it can take up to a year for your final results to fully develop.

It's also important to continue to protect your skin from the sun and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help preserve the results of your surgery. Dr. Champagne may recommend certain skincare products or treatments to help keep your skin looking its best.


Facial cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing experience, but it's important to understand that the recovery process can take time. And in the case of some of our non-surgical procedures, you may need to create a monthly or multi-step regimen to upkeep your results. Just like deciding on which procedure may help you reach your individual goals, Dr. Jason Champagne has extensive experience in helping patients through the recovery process and can provide you with specific instructions based on your individual needs.

If you're considering facial cosmetic surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Champagne to learn more about the procedure and what to expect during the recovery process. With his expertise and guidance, you can achieve the results you desire and enjoy the benefits of a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.