Peak swelling and bruising period. This is the most challenging phase - stay patient and follow your care routine.
What to Expect
Days 2-3 are typically when swelling and bruising peak. This is completely normal and expected. Your face may look quite swollen and puffy, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Some patients describe feeling like they "look worse" on day 3 than on day 1 - this is perfectly normal.
This is Normal
Peak swelling on days 3-4 is expected. From tomorrow, you should start to see gradual improvement. This is the hardest part - it gets better from here.
Compression Garment Care
Your facial compression garment is crucial for managing swelling and supporting tissues as they heal. You should be wearing it 22 hours per day for the first week.
How to Wear Your Compression Garment
Wear it consistently - 22 hours per day, removing only for washing your face and the garment itself
Position it correctly - it should support your jawline and cheeks without being painfully tight
Keep it clean - hand wash it daily with mild soap and let it air dry while you clean your face
Expect tightness - it should feel snug but not unbearably tight or cutting off circulation
Adjust as swelling changes - you may need to adjust the tension as swelling increases or decreases
Managing Swelling
Sleep elevated - keep your head raised at 30-45 degrees on 2-3 pillows
Don't sleep on your sides - sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on your face
Apply cold compresses - use ice packs wrapped in a soft cloth for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times per day
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water to help your body process swelling
Avoid salt - high sodium intake can worsen swelling
No bending over - avoid bending down or putting your head below your heart
Pain Management
Most patients experience moderate discomfort rather than severe pain at this stage.
Take prescribed pain medication as directed by your surgeon
Don't wait until pain is severe - stay ahead of it by taking medication regularly in the first few days
Expect tightness and pulling sensations - this is normal as tissues adjust
Numbness is normal - you may have reduced sensation around your ears, cheeks, and jawline
Bruising
Bruising is normal and may extend down to your neck and chest due to gravity. The bruising may look alarming but is harmless.
Expect bruising to track downwards - it may appear on your neck, chest, or even upper shoulders
Colours will change - from red/purple to green/yellow as it heals
Arnica may help - if you're taking arnica supplements or using cream, continue as directed
It will fade - most bruising resolves within 2 weeks
Wound Care
Keep incisions clean and dry - gently dab them with a clean, damp cloth if needed
Don't pull at any stitches or scabs
Watch for signs of infection - increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever
Some drainage is normal - light pink or clear fluid from incisions is expected in the first few days
Apply any prescribed ointments as directed by your surgeon
Activity Restrictions
Rest, rest, rest - your body is healing, so take it very easy
No strenuous activity - avoid lifting anything heavy or exerting yourself
Short, gentle walks - light movement around your home is fine and encouraged
No driving - you're still taking pain medication and recovering from anaesthetic
Don't strain - avoid constipation by staying hydrated and eating fibre-rich foods
Eating and Drinking
Soft foods - stick to soups, smoothies, yoghurt, and foods that don't require much chewing
Avoid hot foods and drinks - temperature extremes can increase swelling
Use a straw - this can make drinking easier without moving your face too much
Stay hydrated - aim for 8 glasses of water per day
No alcohol - it can interfere with healing and interact with pain medication
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Contact your surgical team immediately if you experience:
Severe pain not controlled by medication
Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever over 38°C)
Excessive bleeding or large blood clots
One side significantly more swollen than the other
Difficulty breathing
Any other concerns that worry you
Emotional Wellbeing
It's normal to feel emotional during this phase. You may experience:
Anxiety about appearance - remember, this is peak swelling and you'll improve from here
Moments of regret - very common in early recovery, usually passes as healing progresses
Frustration with limitations - being dependent on others can be challenging
Impatience - you want to see results, but healing takes time
These feelings are all normal. Talk to your support person, and remember that this phase is temporary.