Most restrictions lifted. Exercise can resume. Your result is becoming clearer with continued refinements ahead.
Back to Normal Life
By 6 weeks post-op, most patients feel they're living normally again. Major swelling has resolved, bruising is long gone, and you can resume nearly all activities including exercise. While subtle refinements will continue over the coming months, you're seeing a good indication of your final result.
Major Milestone
Week 6 is a significant turning point. Most restrictions are lifted, you can exercise again, and you're looking great. Continue being patient as subtle improvements continue over the next 6 months.
Resuming Exercise
After 6 weeks (or as directed by your surgeon), you can gradually return to exercise and more vigorous activities.
How to Resume Exercise Safely
Start slowly - don't jump back to your pre-surgery intensity immediately
Begin with cardio - walking, light jogging, cycling at low-moderate intensity
Add strength training gradually - start with lighter weights than before
Listen to your body - if you feel pulling, pain, or excessive swelling, ease off
Build up over 1-2 weeks - gradually increase to your normal routine
Activities You Can Resume
Gym workouts - cardio machines, weights, classes
Running and jogging - start conservatively and build distance
Swimming - as long as incisions are fully healed (check with surgeon)
Yoga and Pilates - including inversions if comfortable
Contact sports - get explicit clearance from your surgeon before resuming
Protect Your Face
For contact sports or activities with risk of facial impact (football, martial arts, etc.), wait for explicit clearance from your surgeon - typically 3 months minimum. A blow to the face could damage your healing tissues.
Swelling Status
Most major swelling has resolved, but subtle swelling remains and will continue to improve.
About 80-90% resolved - you look very close to your final result
Residual swelling is subtle - only you may notice it
Morning puffiness may persist - very mild, resolves quickly during the day
Continued improvement ahead - further refinement over next 3-6 months
Sun Protection - Critical
Protecting your scars from sun exposure is crucial for optimal healing and preventing permanent darkening.
Why Sun Protection Matters
UV exposure can permanently darken scars - making them more visible long-term
Young scars are especially vulnerable - for at least 6-12 months post-op
Even incidental sun exposure counts - walking to the car, sitting near windows
Prevention is easier than treatment - sun-damaged scars are difficult to reverse
How to Protect Your Scars
Daily SPF 50+ sunscreen - apply to all incision areas, even on cloudy days
Reapply every 2 hours - if spending time outdoors
Wear a wide-brimmed hat - provides additional protection
Seek shade - especially during peak sun hours (10am-4pm)
Consider mineral sunscreens - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are gentle on healing skin
Continue for 6-12 months minimum - ideally lifelong for best scar outcomes
Scar Care
Your incision lines are well-healed but still maturing. Continued care optimises final appearance.
Scar Management
Scar massage - if approved by your surgeon, gentle circular massage 2-3 times daily
Silicone gel or sheets - clinical evidence supports their use for scar improvement
Vitamin E - despite popularity, scientific evidence is limited (but generally harmless)
Moisturise - keeps scars supple and may aid healing
Be patient - scars can take 12-18 months to fully mature and fade
Scar Appearance Timeline
Now (6 weeks) - pink or red, thin lines
3 months - fading to lighter pink
6 months - much lighter, blending with skin tone
12+ months - mature scars, pale and thin (often barely visible)
Numbness and Sensation
Most patients still have some numbness at 6 weeks, but sensation is returning.
Gradual improvement - you may notice patches of returning sensation
Tingling continues - still a sign of nerve healing
Varies by location - earlobes may remain numb longer than cheeks
Full recovery takes time - 6-12 months for complete sensation return
Some areas may have permanent subtle changes - minor altered sensation in small areas is possible
Appearance and Results
You're seeing a clear indication of your final result, though subtle refinements continue.
What to Expect
Looking refreshed and rejuvenated - the facelift effect is clear
Natural appearance - you look like yourself, just fresher
Jawline definition - much clearer and more defined than before
Neck contour - smoother and more youthful
Still improving - final refinements continue over next 3-6 months
Individual Variation
Healing rates vary - some patients take longer to resolve all swelling
Age affects healing - younger patients may heal faster
Skin quality matters - thicker, oilier skin often takes longer to refine
Surgical extent varies - more extensive procedures may take longer to settle
Follow-Up Appointment
You likely have a 6-week review with your surgeon around this time.
What Happens at This Appointment
Assess healing progress - checking scars, swelling, overall result
Take progress photos - comparing to pre-op and earlier post-op images
Discuss activity resumption - clearance for exercise and other activities
Address any concerns - asymmetry, scar appearance, residual swelling
Plan future reviews - typically 3 months and 6 months
Long-Term Care
Your facelift results can last 10+ years with proper care.
Protecting Your Investment
Sun protection - lifelong SPF use prevents premature aging
Skincare routine - good quality cleansers, moisturisers, and retinoids maintain skin quality
Maintain stable weight - significant fluctuations can affect results
Consider non-surgical maintenance - fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, peels as needed
Looking Ahead
You're through the major recovery phase. From here, it's about continued subtle refinements, scar maturation, and enjoying your refreshed appearance. Keep up with sun protection and skincare to maintain your results for years to come.