Bruising fading significantly. Many patients can return to work. You're looking much more like yourself.
Significant Improvement
By week 2, most patients see dramatic improvement from the early post-operative period. Bruising should be mostly faded (yellow/green tones or gone), and swelling should be noticeably reduced. While you're not at your final result yet, you're starting to look presentable enough to consider returning to work and social activities.
Two Week Milestone
This is a major turning point in recovery. Most visible signs of surgery are significantly reduced, and you can start resuming more normal activities. Many patients feel confident enough to return to work with strategic makeup if needed.
Return to Work
Most patients can return to work around the 2-week mark, depending on their job and healing progress.
Considerations for Returning to Work
Desk jobs - usually fine at 2 weeks, especially if you can work from home initially
Jobs requiring physical activity - may need an extra week or two
Public-facing roles - consider makeup to cover any residual bruising
Gradual return - part-time hours for the first few days may be helpful
Energy levels - you may tire more easily, so pace yourself
Managing Appearance at Work
Makeup - gentle concealer and foundation can cover residual bruising (avoid incisions if they're still healing)
Hair styling - wear your hair down or styled to conceal any visible incision lines around ears
Scarves or high collars - can help disguise any residual swelling or bruising on the neck
Honesty vs privacy - you can decide what to disclose to colleagues (many say "minor procedure" if asked)
Bruising Status
Most bruising should be significantly faded or gone by week 2.
Face bruising - should be minimal or resolved, possibly slight yellow tinge
Neck bruising - may linger slightly longer but should be faint
Makeup can conceal residual bruising - use colour-correcting concealers if needed
Individual variation - some patients heal faster, some take a bit longer
Swelling Status
Swelling is much improved but still present. You're probably at about 70-80% resolution of initial swelling.
Major swelling resolved - you no longer look drastically puffy
Residual swelling remains - subtle puffiness will persist for weeks to months
Morning swelling - you may still notice more puffiness in the mornings
Asymmetry normalising - any differences between sides should be evening out
Compression Garment
By week 2, many surgeons reduce or discontinue the compression garment requirement, though some recommend continued nighttime use.
Follow your surgeon's specific instructions - protocols vary
Typical guidance - reduce to nighttime-only wear, or discontinue entirely
Some patients continue voluntarily - they find it comforting and feel it helps with swelling
Wean off gradually - if stopping, you can reduce hours over a few days rather than stopping abruptly
Activity Level
You can increase your activity level, but exercise is still restricted.
What You Can Do
Return to work - for most desk-based or light jobs
Driving - if off pain medication and can turn your head comfortably
Light household tasks - most normal activities are fine
Gentle walking - increase distance and duration
Social activities - low-key outings with friends, cinema, dinner
What to Avoid
No vigorous exercise - gym, running, cycling still restricted for another 2-4 weeks
No heavy lifting - nothing over 5-10kg
No swimming or saunas - wait until incisions are fully healed and surgeon approves
Limit alcohol - can still increase swelling and slow healing
No sun exposure on scars - UV can permanently darken scars
Incision Care
Your incisions are healing well by now, but continued care is important.
Keep clean and dry - gentle cleansing with mild soap and water
Protect from sun - use SPF 50+ on any exposed incision areas, or keep covered
Incision lines will be pink/red - this is normal and fades over 6-12 months
Scar massage - ask your surgeon when to begin (usually 3-4 weeks post-op)
Silicone gel or sheets - may be recommended to optimise scar healing
Numbness and Sensation
Numbness around ears, cheeks, and jawline is still present and normal.
Expect continued numbness - this can last several more weeks to months
Tingling is a good sign - indicates nerves are recovering
Sensation returns gradually - it may be patchy or inconsistent at first
Full recovery takes time - 3-6 months is typical, sometimes up to a year
Appearance and Results
You're starting to see hints of your final result, but you're not there yet.
Don't Judge Results Yet
While you look much better than week 1, you still have significant residual swelling. Your final result will continue to refine over the next 6-12 months. Be patient and trust the process.
What's Normal at This Stage
Still puffy - subtle swelling remains, particularly along jawline and neck
Tightness persists - your face still feels tight and somewhat "pulled"
Asymmetry may be present - small differences between sides will even out with time
Incision lines are visible - they're pink/red now but will fade significantly
Emotional Wellbeing
Week 2 often brings a psychological boost as you see real improvement and can resume more normal activities.
Relief at progress - you're looking much more like yourself
Excitement about results - early glimpses of your outcome are emerging
Impatience for final results - natural but remember healing takes months
Renewed energy - returning to work and activities improves mood
Follow-Up Care
You may have a 2-week post-operative appointment around this time.
Your surgeon will assess healing - checking incisions, swelling, and overall progress
Ask questions - bring any concerns or queries
Discuss return to activities - when you can resume exercise, more strenuous work, etc.
Plan next review - typically at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months