Yes, it is normal to have mild to moderate swelling 4 weeks after facelift since deeper tissues are still healing. Puffiness, tightness of the skin and slight firmness may be left as residue and it may take up to 3 months or even 6 months before results are completely settled. Although the improvement is also likely to be noticed by 6-8 weeks, the presence of residual swelling at that point is not usually a cause of concern.
Facelift surgery entails rearrangement of skin, fat and the underlying muscles. Whereas the process of surface healing takes place within weeks, internal tissues take several months to heal. The swelling tends to vary and might become more prominent in mornings or following some exercise.
Dr Harikiran Chekuri says,
The swelling at this stage will be prolonged and gradually improving and it is part of natural healing process and does not necessarily indicate a complication.
Why Is Swelling Still Present 4 Weeks After a Facelift?
The swelling may last to the first month because of a number of physiological factors associated with healing after surgery:
- Ongoing Healing Process: At week four, deeper facial tissues are still healing, so mild residual swelling is normal and part of long-term result formation.
- Gravity & Body Position: Swelling may vary during the day and feel worse in the morning or after prolonged standing due to fluid shift.
- Extent of the Procedure: More invasive techniques, such as a deep plane facelift, typically require longer for swelling to fully subside compared to mini lifts.
- Lymphatic Drainage Adjustment: Facial lymphatic channels need time to recover, which can temporarily slow fluid drainage and cause puffiness.
- Individual Healing Response: Healing speed varies based on age, skin quality, lifestyle, and adherence to post-operative care.
At Redefine Hair Transplant and Plastic Surgery Center, patients are counseled that swelling reduces in stages rather than disappearing all at once.
How Can You Manage Swelling Four Weeks After a Facelift?
To ensure optimal recovery and minimize lingering swelling after surgery, it’s important to follow specific aftercare practices consistently:
- Head Elevation: Continue sleeping with your head raised using extra pillows or a wedge pillow to promote fluid drainage and reduce morning swelling.
- Dietary Control: Reduce salt, and maintain good hydrations in order to avoid the retention of fluids and promote continued healing..
- Lymphatic Support: With your surgeon’s guidance, gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage may help reduce lingering swelling and improve tissue recovery.
- Balanced Activity: Light walking enhances circulation, however, never overexert oneself; never bend or lift heavy objects that will contribute to more inflammation.
- Follow-Up Care: Attend all scheduled post-operative check-ups so your surgeon can monitor healing, address concerns early, and guide you on safe next steps for recovery.
Recovery rates at Redefine hair transplant and plastic surgery center would be heavily monitored and supervised by Dr harikiran chekuri under the supervision of the doctor who would regard patients as unique individuals requiring specific aftercare needs to achieve safe
When Should You Consult Dr Harikiran Chekuri for Facelift Surgery?
You should consider consulting Dr Harikiran Chekuri if you notice visible facial sagging, deep wrinkles, or loose skin around the jawline or neck, or if non-surgical treatments are no longer giving satisfactory results. A consultation is also advisable when facial aging begins to affect confidence and you are seeking a long-term, natural-looking rejuvenation solution.
Valuable diagnosis at an early stage will assist in deciding the appropriate time of operation and the method to do the operation just as a hair transplant will need the skill of an expert. Having high-level care in the clinic in the city of Mumbai and Hyderabad, the people are given a safe and personalized care with clear expectations and results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to be swollen 4 weeks after a facelift?
Yes, mild swelling at 4 weeks is common and usually part of normal healing
How long does facelift swelling last completely?
Most swelling resolves by 6–8 weeks, but subtle swelling can persist up to 3 months.
Can swelling come and go during recovery?
Yes, swelling may fluctuate depending on activity, posture, and healing progress.
Does swelling affect final facelift results?
No. Final results become visible once swelling fully subsides.



