If you’re considering a mini facelift to refresh your appearance and restore youthful definition to your face, understanding the recovery process is just as important as choosing the right surgeon.
While a mini facelift offers a more refined and accelerated approach to facial rejuvenation than a traditional facelift, it still requires thoughtful aftercare to ensure optimal healing and natural, lasting results. In the hands of board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Paul N. Afrooz, your recovery will be closely guided with precision, compassion, and world-class care.
Here’s what you can expect—and what you can do—at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month post-surgery.
The First 24 Hours: Rest, Elevation, and Support
Remember: less is more. The first day is about rest, hydration, and letting your body begin the healing process.
What to Expect
Immediately after your procedure, you’ll feel drowsy from anesthesia and may experience mild swelling, tightness, or bruising in the lower face and jawline. These are completely normal and manageable with Dr. Afrooz’s post-operative instructions.
What You Can Do
- Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling and promote healthy blood flow
- Use cold compresses (as instructed) to ease inflammation
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed to stay ahead of discomfort
- Keep dressings in place and avoid any pressure on your incisions
- Remember that swelling is temporary, and your final results will reveal themselves with time and care
At 1 Week: Renewed Confidence and Visible Healing
This is when patients often start to feel the excitement: “I look like myself… just refreshed.”
What to Expect
At the end of the first week, most bruising and swelling will have subsided significantly. You’ll begin to see early signs of your refreshed, youthful contours. Many patients feel ready to return to work and light social activities around this time.
What You Can Do
- Resume light activities, but avoid bending, heavy lifting, or intense workouts
- Attend your follow-up appointment with Dr. Afrooz to assess healing and remove any sutures if necessary
- Begin a gentle skincare regimen (approved by your provider) to support your skin’s regeneration
- Use sun protection religiously; your skin is especially sensitive now, so daily SPF is non-negotiable
At 1 Month: Radiant, Natural-Looking Results
This is when your transformation shines in full!
What to Expect
By the one-month mark, most swelling will be gone, incisions will be healing beautifully, and your final results will be taking shape. Your jawline will appear more defined, your cheeks subtly lifted, and your overall appearance will be smoother and more vibrant—without looking “done.”
What You Can Do
- Resume full physical activity, including exercise, unless advised otherwise
- Return to regular skincare treatments or medspa services, such as facials or laser treatments, with Dr. Afrooz’s team
- Enjoy social events or travel without concerns about noticeable bruising or downtime
- Schedule any complementary treatments (like dermal fillers, BOTOX®, or neck rejuvenation) to extend and enhance your results
Why Recovery with Dr. Afrooz Feels Different
Dr. Afrooz and his dedicated team oversee every detail of your mini facelift recovery, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way. As one of the nation’s most acclaimed facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Afrooz combines artistry, surgical mastery, and heartfelt care to deliver refined, radiant, and unmistakably natural results.
Whether you’re in Miami, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or beyond, our practice is a sanctuary for those seeking surgical precision and a luxury-level experience—from your first consultation to your one-month glow.
Call us at 786.321.9275 or schedule your consultation today!
