Swelling beginning to improve. Suture removal and continued healing. You're through the hardest part.
You're Making Progress
Congratulations on reaching the one-week mark. The worst of the swelling and bruising should be behind you now. While you're still healing and may not look "normal" yet, improvements should be noticeable compared to days 2-3.
Milestone Reached
You've passed the peak swelling phase. From this week onwards, you should see steady improvement day by day. Compare your photos from day 3 to now - you'll see real progress.
Suture Removal
Most patients have their sutures removed around day 5-7, depending on your surgeon's protocol. This is typically done at a post-operative appointment.
What to Expect During Suture Removal
Quick and relatively painless - you may feel a slight pulling sensation but it shouldn't hurt significantly
Some incisions may use dissolvable sutures - these don't need removal
Your surgeon will check your healing - this is a good opportunity to ask questions
You may see your incisions more clearly - they'll be pink or red initially but will fade over time
After Suture Removal
Continue gentle wound care - keep incisions clean and apply any prescribed ointments
Protect from sun - UV exposure can darken scars permanently
Be patient with scarring - incisions will be red/pink for weeks to months before fading
Massage may be recommended - your surgeon may advise gentle scar massage after a few weeks
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling should be noticeably better than earlier in the week, though you're still quite puffy. Bruising should be fading to yellow/green tones.
Managing Ongoing Swelling
Continue sleeping elevated - still important for at least 2 weeks post-op
Compression garment - continue wearing as directed (may reduce to daytime only this week)
Gentle facial massage - if approved by your surgeon, very light lymphatic drainage massage can help
Stay hydrated - helps your body process residual swelling
Avoid salt and alcohol - both can worsen swelling
Numbness and Tingling
Numbness around your ears, cheeks, and jawline is completely normal and expected. This can last weeks to months.
Sensation Recovery
Tingling, buzzing, or "pins and needles" are actually good signs - they indicate nerves are waking up and healing. Full sensation can take 3-6 months to return, and in some areas, it may take up to a year.
Tightness
It's normal to feel significant tightness in your face and neck. This is a combination of swelling, tissue healing, and adjustment to your new contours.
Tightness is expected - your tissues need time to adjust to their new position
It will ease gradually - over weeks and months, this sensation reduces
Don't pull or stretch - let your face heal naturally without forcing movement
Gentle expressions - you can resume normal facial expressions, but don't exaggerate or force them
Activity Level
You can gradually increase your activity level, but still avoid anything strenuous.
What You Can Do
Light walking - short walks outside are encouraged for circulation and mood
Light household tasks - washing dishes, light tidying (no heavy lifting)
Showering - you can shower normally, but be gentle around incisions
Washing your hair - carefully, avoiding pulling or rubbing incisions
Reading, TV, gentle activities - avoid straining or activities that raise blood pressure
What to Avoid
No exercise - still too early for gym, running, or vigorous activity
No lifting heavy objects - nothing over 5kg (about a bag of sugar)
No bending over - still avoid putting your head below your heart
No driving - if still taking pain medication or feeling restricted in neck movement
No alcohol - can increase swelling and interfere with healing
Diet
You can start introducing more normal foods, but continue to avoid anything that requires excessive chewing.
Gradually progress diet - from soft foods to more normal textures
Continue avoiding very hot foods - warm is fine, but not piping hot
Chew slowly and carefully - your jaw may still feel tight
Maintain good nutrition - protein, vitamins, and minerals support healing
Appearance Concerns
It's normal to still look quite swollen and feel self-conscious. Remember:
You're still very swollen - this is not your final result
Asymmetry is normal - one side may swell more than the other temporarily
Don't judge results yet - it takes months for swelling to fully resolve
Compare to day 3, not pre-surgery - you should see improvement from peak swelling
Still Contact Your Surgeon If
While most issues resolve naturally, contact your team if you experience:
Increasing pain, redness, or warmth (possible infection)
Fever over 38°C
Pus or foul-smelling discharge from incisions
Sudden increase in swelling on one side
Any concerns that worry you
Emotional Wellbeing
You may experience mixed emotions at this stage:
Relief at reaching one week - the hardest part is behind you
Impatience with remaining swelling - you want to see your final result
Concerns about appearance - remember this is temporary
Fatigue from recovery - healing takes energy, rest when needed
All of these feelings are normal. Keep taking progress photos and comparing them to earlier in your recovery - seeing improvement helps maintain perspective.