Not sure I love my eyes. I’m still SUPER swollen. I had all a stitches removed today including the gauze that was in my cheeks for the lower Bleph. I feel like all this work on my eyes somehow made them smaller? I’m hoping it’s just the swelling. I had the works- deep plane face and neck, brow lift, lip lift, upper and lower bleph and facial fat transfer.
Before and after 6 days of Endoscopic forehead lift by Dr.YOU Kyung Han
Heavy eyelids lifted, less frowning appearance.
The effect of a forehead lift is directly seen in the eyes and not the forehead itself 👍
For those of you who wear glasses, what did you do after your facelift? I imagine the arms hurt the incision areas.
Please post the link of what you bought to use instead of glasses:)
I usually have a weekly massage to help with past medical issues. My massage therapist did a great job massaging me face up after my rotator cuff surgery but it’s not quite the same as a good lower back massage. Did your surgeon give you guidance on how long you had to go until you could be face down for an hour?
Day 15 after endoscopic forehead lift by Dr.LEE Seung Ryeol
Before, forehead was a little flat; even without having fat graft or fillers, forehead lift can add volume
The effect of a forehead lift is directly seen in the eyes and not the forehead itself; those with heavy eyelid thinking of getting double eyelid surgery, look into a forehead procedure also 👍
Open to traveling to any country. I just don’t want the full incision in front of the ear as I’m only 29 years old. I know to many a facelift at 29 sounds crazy however I’ve lost a significant amount of weight causing a lot of lower face descent and i don’t want to do fillers etc.
Ive looked into endoscopic midface lifts, which I think would help some and I’m not ruling them out, but I don’t think they address the lower cheek descent I have directly enough, and my main goal is to lift my descended lower cheek. Also, with a lot of the mid cheek lifts I see things that worry me like, that jigsaw look where the cheeks look way to big, the fierce eyebrow look, the cat eye effect, etc.
You've probably seen “cortisol face” all over social media lately, usually referring to a face that looks puffier or rounder during periods of stress. But facial fullness isn't always about overall puffiness. Sometimes, what's more important is understanding why one side of the face looks heavier than the other.
That distinction is what made this particular patient case interesting. When looking at this case at 3 months post-op, the patient's pre-surgery appearance did not simply appear to lack overall volume. Instead, there was a noticeable difference in how heavy the lower face appeared from one side to the other. In particular, the cheek and jawline on one side appeared noticeably fuller and heavier, while the opposite side had relatively more defined contours.
Facial asymmetry can be influenced by differences in soft-tissue volume, muscle, skeletal structure, dental factors, and the way facial tissues are positioned and settle.
In this patient's case, she tended to chew more on one side, which may have contributed to differences in muscle development between the two sides. She also tended to sleep on the same side, subjecting the soft tissue to repeated pressure. However, these habits alone would not fully explain such a noticeable difference.
This patient underwent a Facial SMAS Lift, focusing on the deeper supporting tissues of the face rather than simply tightening the skin.
The surgical plan focused primarily on the lower face:
- Reposition sagging lower-face tissues
- Improve the heavier cheek, jowl, and jawline contour
- Create better balance between both sides
- Restore a cleaner, more youthful lower-face shape
One subtle but interesting change was around the lips.
Before surgery, the lower-face asymmetry also affected how the lips appeared at rest, with the lips looking less balanced and not closing as naturally. This is because the position of the jawline and surrounding facial tissues can influence how the lips sit at rest.
At 3 months after the SMAS Lift, the lower-face balance had improved noticeably, and the lips appeared to rest and close in a more natural and symmetrical position.
This is why facial balance isn't only about the jawline. The position of the cheek, jowl, jawline, and surrounding soft tissues can also influence how the mouth sits. It's also why a facelift isn't simply about “pulling the skin tighter.” With a SMAS Lift, the deeper supporting layer of the face can be addressed and repositioned, allowing the surgeon to work on the underlying facial contour rather than relying only on skin tension.
The goal isn't to make both sides of the face perfectly identical. Rather, it's about reducing noticeable asymmetry as much as possible while preserving the patient's natural facial features, since some degree of asymmetry is normal in everyone.
In this case, the most noticeable change after surgery wasn't simply that the face looked tighter. Instead, the lower face appeared lighter and more balanced, with improved overall contour and a more natural balance between the cheeks, jawline, and lips.
Ultimately, a fuller-looking face isn't automatically “cortisol face,” just as an uneven-looking jawline isn't necessarily a larger jaw. The important part is understanding where the difference is actually coming from and what the goal of the treatment should be, as well as how best to address it.
My main problem area is my lower face. I’m only 29 but lost a lot of weight. I’m not ready for the full incision In front of the ear. Ive seen some surgeons able to address the lower face with incisions behind the ear, and sometimes add just in front of the earlobe, which is what i’m looking for. Thank you in advance for any feedback <3
Pre-op consult video from the day before my deep plane facelift. My surgeon walks through the plan. Thought this might be interesting for anyone researching these procedures — I know I would’ve loved seeing something like this beforehand.
It is still so flipping crazy to me that he repositioned my buccal fat pad into my cheeks to restore volume — that blows my mind. He also talks about reducing my submandibular glands, a technique he’s especially known for. He’s triple board certified, teaches at major plastic surgery conferences around the world, and mentors many of the Insta-famous surgeons people here probably follow. The artistry and anatomy involved is fascinating. I picked the right guy.
And yes, I’m unintentionally dorky in this. I’m usually the one behind the camera, not under the spotlight, so consider this rare footage.
hey all :)
so, im about to just get a midface and brow lift ina few months and since I never read something about it, im curious does your surgeon have any recommendations on mantaining the results/ staying younger after face lift ?
Ive done hyperdilute radiesse before (it made me chubbier in some areas or added weight i didnt want …) and I would like avoid procedures that could ruin the face lift but i still want to actively stimulate collagen prodcution and do all i can to ‚age slower‘
the facelift repositions tissue and all but we still loose collagen and fat pda further, right?
what did you do after your facelift?
im going to ask my surgeon but im curious for opinions ☺️
Procedures Performed:
-Hybrid Facelift
-Necklift
-Lower Blepharoplasty
-Upper Lip Shortening
-UltraClear Laser Treatment
-Fat Grafting
Done by Dr. Sozer (El Paso, Tx)
I have been scouring various forums and surgeons' sites across the globe to best prepare for Face and Necklift surgery. I wanted to give back to you all and share this Facelift Prep and Recovery Checklist.
**DISCLAIMER — PLEASE READ**
This checklist is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does **not** constitute medical, surgical, pharmacological, or professional advice of any kind. It is based solely on my personal research, personal preparation, and opinions gathered from public forums and various surgeons' websites — it is **not** written or reviewed by a medical professional, and it is **not** a substitute for individualized care.
I am not a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or medical professional of any kind. Nothing in this post creates a doctor-patient relationship between me and any reader. Every surgery, patient, medical history, medication list, and hospital/clinic protocol is different — you must always follow your own surgeon's, anaesthetist's, and care team's specific instructions, as their guidance overrides anything listed here in every instance.
This checklist mentions specific brand names, supplements, over-the-counter products, medications, and timelines. These reflect my own personal choices and what was recommended to *me* by *my* surgeon for *my* procedure and circumstances — they are not recommendations or endorsements, and they may be inappropriate, unsafe, contraindicated, or illegal in your country for your situation. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement — including over-the-counter products — without first checking with your own surgeon, physician, or pharmacist. Dosages, timing, and product availability also vary by country, so always verify against your own care team and local regulations, especially if you are travelling overseas for surgery.
**I accept no responsibility and assume no liability whatsoever for any outcome, injury, complication, loss, or damage — direct or indirect — arising from any reader's use of, reliance on, or actions taken based on this checklist.** By reading and using this post, you acknowledge and agree that you do so entirely at your own risk, and that I am not liable for how you use this information or for any decisions you make as a result of it.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, or have concerns about your health at any point before or after surgery, contact your surgeon's office, local emergency services, or emergency care immediately — do not rely on this post or any online forum.
---
I am travelling overseas for my surgery and will be alone, so this list is extensive and a little over the top. But since I will be in another country I want everything within arm's reach (haters, comment on another page please).
**Seoul weather in October:** cool, clear, dry — highs ~21°C (70°F), lows ~10°C (50°F).
## Reminders
- Create and print out the post-op supplement/medication schedule 🙂
- Take daily progress photos — these will help when you are feeling down and may feel like you are not getting less swollen.
## In-Person Final Pre-Surgery Consult with Surgeon
- Come with a list of all your questions and specific instructions, separated into questions that must be answered by the surgeon and those the office staff can answer, so you don't waste the surgeon's time.
- Have your desired lift intensity decided (1–10) and your younger-self reference photos ready for the consult to show the surgeon what your expectations are. This way you can have a discussion about what is possible.
## Clothing
- Zip-up/button cardigans (easy over drains)
- Shirts — to avoid pulling items over the head
- Slip-on shoes — so you don't have to bend over to put them on
- Slippers
- Scarf x2 — a sun hat may feel too tight or irritate the stitch area
- Sunglasses — with loose arms so they don't squeeze the incision area
- Hat
## Post-Surgery Recovery Room / Bedroom Set-Up
- Set up accommodation/bedside table so everything is within reach at table height
- Wrap-around body pillow or wedge — for elevated sleeping
- Phone holder/arm to keep phone at eye level
- TV desk/lap table to keep computer/phone at eye level so as not to bend the neck
## Showering
- Shower cap
- Eye shield for shower (bleph protection)
- Lanyard for securing drains in the shower
- Non-slip bath mat — some bathrooms are slippery
## Deswelling
- Compression socks/stockings for the flight home
- Compression band for face (buy extra — they get dirty) from surgeon
- Frozen peas instead of ice packs — these seem to work best, especially for bleph
- Small zip-lock bags for peas
- Clothes peg to clip two ice bags together so they stay on the eyes without holding them
- Gauze to place between ice pack and skin
## Recovery Support Accessories
- Neck brace — to limit head/neck movement
- Elasticised headbands / tiny hair clip claws to keep hair back
- Silk pillowcase
- Trifold mirror that hangs on the door to assist with incision cleaning
## Tech
- Long charging cords for phone, laptop, etc.
- Velcro straps to attach charging cords to hospital bed rails, etc.
- Cord clips/attachments to keep cords in place
- Plug powerboard so all devices can plug into one socket
- USB drive for a copy of the surgery video recording
- Travel converter
## Daily Hygiene
- Soft toothbrush
- Cup to spit into (bending to spit into the sink is not advised)
- Alcohol-free mouthwash (Listerine)
- Water flosser
- Body/face cleansing wipes
- Cetaphil/CeraVe face wash for the shower
- Baby shampoo + conditioner for hair
- Cotton buds and cotton pads
- Bronner's soap
- Wide-tooth comb
## Food & Drink
- Own protein powder from home
- USB-charged blender cup / mixer cup for protein smoothies
- Bone broth — low sodium
- Chamomile tea (2–3/day) with medical-grade manuka honey
- Pumpkin tea
- Fibre supplement
- Straws
- Creatine
- Celtic salt
- Collagen peptides
- Chia seeds
- Jar for chia + water
- Stanley cup with straw
- High-polyphenol olive oil for drinking
## Supplements / Medication — Over-the-Counter Items
*(Check every item below with your own surgeon before use — see disclaimer above.)*
- Extra-strength Tylenol 500mg
- Cepacol spray or lozenges — for sore/scratchy throat
- Stool softener — start the day after surgery with fluids, until first bowel movement
- Bromelain supplement
- Arnica Montana supplement
- Healrite pre- and post-op supplements
- Dex pre-surgery drink (dex.com.au)
## What to Pack in Your Surgical Stay Bag
- Lip balm
- Straw bottle
- Slippers
- Slip-on walking shoes
- Button-up pyjamas
- Button-up shirt for the following day
- Warm cardigan
- Underwear
- Toothbrush/paste
- Toiletries
- Cash — for the anaesthetist
## Pre-Surgery Prep
*(Timelines and medication instructions below reflect what my own surgeon advised me — always confirm your own schedule directly with your surgeon.)*
**3 weeks before**
- Stop NSAIDs: aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Anacin, Bayer, Motrin, Excedrin
- Stop OTC supplements — check with your surgeon
- Check whether Bromelain, Arnica Montana, and Healrite pre/post-op supplements are approved by your surgeon
- Panadol/paracetamol is generally okay to continue
- Ask your surgeon:
- Whether you can continue HRT
- When to stop/resume GLP-1s
- When to stop retinoid/retinal and other skin actives
- Colour hair up to 1 day before surgery (face/neck/browlift); avoid for 4 weeks after
**2 weeks before**
- Start Recovery Support AM/PM supplement
**5 days before**
- Stop red wine (white wine/other alcohol may be okay — confirm with your surgeon)
**2 days before**
- Continue Hibiclens
- Start Bactroban (mupirocin) nasal swabs 2x/day
- Start Valtrex/Valacyclovir if prescribed — 1 tablet 3x/day
**Night before**
- Hibiclens wash — face, neck, ears, hair; no other products after
- Continue Bactroban and Valtrex
- Male patients shave
- No food or drink after midnight, including water
**Day of surgery**
- No food or drink at all
- Take Emend with a small sip of water before heading to the surgery centre (check with your doctor before consuming)
- Bactroban nasal swab
- No makeup
- Wear a comfy zip/button-up top
- No contact lenses
## Post-Surgery Aftercare
*(Ask your surgeon for their specific recommendations — the below is a general guide only.)*
**Shower Instructions (Day 2)**
- Remove gauze and Telfa strips around ears/chin, discard
- Clean incisions with hydrogen peroxide on Q-tips — first shower only
- Shower, wash hair and face, resume own shampoo/gentle cleanser
- Pat face dry with a clean towel
- Send incision photos to the nursing line
- Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to incisions, 2x/day for 2 weeks
- Apply compression chin strap with a Telfa strip under the chin
- Wash hair at least every other day; wide-tooth comb only; no blow dry
**Icing**
- 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off, for the first 48 hours while awake
- Never place ice directly on numb skin (frostbite risk)
- Not required after 48 hours
- Not while sleeping
**Chin Strap**
- Week 1: wear as much as possible (not required for sleep or icing)
- Week 2: a few hours during the day
- Week 3: discontinue
**Activity/Exercise Progression**
- Days 0–2 weeks: casual walks from day 3, no elevated heart rate; no other exercise; no bending/heavy lifting
- 2 weeks: light activity — treadmill/bike at half pace, easy hike
- 3 weeks: stationary bike or run at full pace
- 4 weeks: strength training/weight lifting
- 6 weeks: swimming, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, golf, tennis, pickleball
**Sun Exposure**
- No direct sun on face for 6 weeks; wear a wide-brimmed hat/visor outside
- No sunscreen for the first week
- After cleared: SPF 15+ when outside, continue for 6 months
**Additional Restrictions**
- No hyperextending the neck / chin-to-chest (e.g., looking down at phone) for 4 weeks
- No earrings or headphones/earbuds for 3 weeks
- No face-down massages for 2 months
**Browlift-Specific Instructions**
- Follow Day 2 shower/incision care
- Wide-tooth comb only; avoid the area near incisions
- Don't touch incisions
- No blow dry for 2 weeks; no salon blow-outs or hair dye for 4 weeks
- Ice forehead/temples 20 min on/off, first 48 hours
- No helmets for 6 weeks
- Sutures dissolve in 2–3 weeks; scabs fall off in 2–4 weeks — don't pick
- Endotines may be felt/tender for months as they absorb
**Blepharoplasty-Specific Instructions**
- Preservative-free artificial tears 4–5x/day; Systane PM at night; stop if burning/irritation
- Lower bleph: antibiotic eye drop the day after, 2 drops/eye 2x/day for 7 days
- Aquaphor on incisions 2x/day with a clean Q-tip, not fingers
- No peroxide before the first shower
- Ice 20 min on/off; don't stay up to ice — prioritise sleep
- Bleeding: gauze pressure 10–20 min; clean dried blood with peroxide or soap/water, avoid eye contact
- No contact lenses for at least 10 days
- SPF 15+ on lids after suture removal, continue for 6 months
- Makeup allowed 2 weeks after (with sunscreen)
## What to Expect After Surgery (General)
- Bruising/swelling may increase and travel down the face/neck for several days — normal
- Asymmetry from swelling evens out over time
- Rippling near ears from dissolving sutures — normal
- Sutures generally removed 4–10 days; scabs fall off in 2–4 weeks — don't pick
- Numbness/tingling is normal; sensation returns ~4–5 weeks, unevenly
- Fatigue/low energy for a week or more is normal
- Feeling "not yourself"/down is common — temporary
- Firmness under the chin/face sides — normal, subsides
- Don't pull earlobes forward; they may feel rubbery/swollen; wear button/zip clothes to avoid catching them
- Don't put fingers in ears; use a Q-tip for itching; bumps behind ears resolve in 4–6 weeks
- Eye dryness/light sensitivity/blurred vision (if bleph) — normal, subsides within ~10 days
## Post-Surgery Treatments
- Red light / LED therapy for deswelling
- Hyperbaric chamber (HBOT) — a sitting chamber is available if you are claustrophobic
- Lymphatic drainage massage — check timing with your doctor
## Recovery Timeline
- Day of surgery: sedation, overnight stay
- 48 hours: icing only during this window
- 48 hours: can wash hair after this point
- Days 1–2: stay elevated, short walks okay, limit cold-weather walking
- Days 3–4: peak swelling, tightness, worse in the evening; some feel down in the first 3 days
- 5 days: sleep on back only, then may switch to side
- 1 week: head elevated on 2 pillows in bed
- 1 week: no makeup
- 1 week: keep hair off face; protect stitches from contact when flying
- Day 7: ear sutures removed
- Day 10: remaining sutures and tape removed
- Facial tape limits micro-movement, redirects swelling
- 2 weeks: no driving (avoid turning the neck)
- 2 weeks: no bending/heavy lifting
- 2 weeks: cardio can resume
- 3 weeks: face support strap — start day 2, wear 2–8 hrs/day at home/resting
- 3 weeks: no earrings
- 4 weeks: ~80% of swelling resolved
- 4 weeks: can colour hair
- 4 weeks: light weights okay
- 4 weeks: avoid hyperextending the neck / chin-to-chest for prolonged periods
- 6 weeks: no sun exposure
- 6 weeks: no retinol (before or after surgery)
- 6 weeks: no lifting over 30 lbs
- 6 weeks: keep sunblock off suture areas
- 6 weeks: Pilates okay, no neck strain until then
- 6 weeks: no submerging head
## Flight
- Compression stockings
- Avoid high-sodium food on the flight — a steroid is sometimes given before flying
- Protect stitches from contact during the flight
## Sample Daily Post Surgery Routine
- Breakfast
- Walk to LED deswelling
- Rest
- Lunch
- Walk to Hyperbaric session
- Relax
- Dinner
- Movie
- Sleep
## How to Spend Your Downtime While Resting
- MasterClass courses you can listen to
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts
---
**Reminder:** This checklist reflects my personal experience and research only. It is not medical advice, I am not a medical professional, and I accept no responsibility or liability for how anyone uses this information. Always follow your own surgeon's and care team's specific instructions above anything written here, and consult them before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, or activity.
I am about eight months postoperative open brow lift. As you can see, I have a pretty significant indentation along the scar line. Depending on the lighting, it is very obvious looking.
I was watching a doctor Nayak post recently about open brow lifts and he mentioned using a zigzag cut because straight across can make it look like one is wearing a hairpiece.
I’m genuinely saddened that my Surgeon (despite his board certifications and top medical school and residency program qualifications) did not seem to have this particular practice in his tool kit.
Bangs do not flatter me, so I am resigned to going out into the world looking… dented.
Here is the Dr Nayak post:
My mother F(62) is wanting to get a facelift and has enlisted myself to help her research procedures, coming to this sub for guidance on where to start, and get perspective on what's 'on the menu' these days. I'm aware of how subjective things are, but a starting point a what people might generally speaking be looking at for someone her age is a great help.
Hi guys, I’m looking for advice. My face has changed recently and I’m not happy. I know people age (I’m 33) but this is a different shape etc. I have attached photos - the first 3 photos is what my lower face is currently and the last 4 photos is what the shape used to be.
I’m unhappy with the downturn on the left side, I get DAO Botox to fix my puppet mouth but my doctor said it’s due to skin elasticity as to why that side doesn’t turn up. I get micro needling and polynucleotides but I don’t see a different in my skin.
The next thing that bothers me if my lower jaw muscle on the left hand side has increased. I do grind my teeth at night and have read that this can build the muscle there. I will be asking about masseter Botox of reduce it on my next appointment. But am I going crazy or has it definitely increased? My family tells me it hasn’t. It’s not fat either.
I’m thinking of getting a lower deep plane facelift, do you think this would help the skin elasticity and help with the sagging? I was recommended not to do Morpheus8 by my doctor and to be honest I’d rather pay for a FL then forking out money every year or 2 etc.
Thanks!:)
I got my neck and facelift and chin implant about 2 years ago. I keep waiting to get used to the chin implant. It is small, and surgeon even customized it to be slightly smaller. I don’t know why, but to me, it changed my face. Most people do not have a clue, and even my husband who knows says it’s not noticeable. Has there been anyone who has waited longer than almost 2 years to get “used” to something? To me it still feels tight around the bottom lip, and I have a slight lisp at times. Does this ever get better? I would just like to know if anyone has experienced this.
I have gotten so used to NOT talking to people (in person or on camera) while my chin is lowered because of the jowling/sagging that resulted. I'm now 32 days post-op from DPF/NL and while at a party last night I kept noticing that I was keeping my chin up.....BUT I NO LONGER HAVE TO! Every time I would - out of habit - raise up my chin to avoid showing jowling I would think, "Wait! I don't have jowls anymore!" It made me kind of laugh to myself every time. I think it's going to take quite a few months before I get used to not hiding my former skin sagging.😊
Surgery is in 10 days. I’ve been without my estradiol for 4 days. The night sweats and hot flashes have hit me now. How did you post-menopausal ladies go without estrogen for a few weeks?
An interesting Turkish case involving a face and neck lift. The higher court said the assessment should not stop at whether the outcome could medically be classified as a complication. The result expected from the aesthetic procedure also had to be examined.
For more information: https://www.medicallawturkey.com/