Swelling and bruising: what is normal
Swelling and bruising after facial surgery are an expected tissue response, not a complication. They usually build up over the first two to three days and then gradually subside. How quickly swelling goes down is individual and depends on the extent of the surgery, tissue characteristics, and how closely the doctor's recommendations are followed.
In the first few days, cold compresses, keeping the head elevated during sleep, and limiting physical activity all help - the exact regimen is always given by the treating doctor.
Caring for sutures and scars
Sutures are cared for according to the doctor's instructions, typically regular antiseptic treatment and sun protection until fully healed. A fresh scar can be noticeable, pink or slightly firm at first - this is a normal stage of scar tissue maturation that takes months, not days.
It's important not to rush the process on your own (aggressive creams, early steaming, sunbathing) and to follow exactly the recommendations given by the operating surgeon, since they account for the specific procedure performed.
When to return to work and normal life
The timeline for returning to work and an active lifestyle depends on the extent of the surgery: for some procedures it's a matter of days, for others, several weeks. The doctor gives an approximate timeline at the consultation and refines it after surgery based on how healing is progressing for that particular patient.
Sport, saunas, prolonged sun exposure and flights are usually postponed for a later date - the specific restrictions are also set individually by the doctor.
When to see a doctor urgently
Contact the clinic as soon as possible if swelling or pain sharply increases instead of subsiding, a high temperature develops, unusual discharge or odour comes from the wound area, numbness appears, or any other warning sign the doctor mentioned occurs. Such situations are rare, but regular post-operative check-ups exist precisely to catch them in time.