Understanding the Healing Timeline: From Swelling to Results
Plastic surgery is as much about recovery as it is about the procedure itself. One of the most common questions we hear at Peterson MD in Kelowna is: How long will I need to recover? The truth is, healing depends on many factors—your health, the type of surgery, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.
For example, facial surgeries like facelifts and eyelid lifts typically involve 1–2 weeks of downtime, with swelling and bruising improving significantly by week three. Breast surgeries, including augmentation or lift, may require 1–2 weeks off work and several weeks of restricted activity. Body contouring procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck usually involve 2–4 weeks before resuming light activities, and up to 6 weeks before full workouts or heavy lifting.
We always tailor your recovery plan to your procedure and your lifestyle. Healing doesn’t mean isolation—many patients feel comfortable returning to light daily routines sooner than expected, especially with minimally invasive techniques.
Typical Recovery Timelines for Popular Procedures
- Facelift: 10–14 days of downtime, swelling subsides within 3 weeks, full results visible by 3–6 months.
- Eyelid Surgery: 5–7 days for initial recovery, with bruising fading by week 2.
- Breast Augmentation: 1–2 weeks off work, 4–6 weeks before vigorous activity.
- Liposuction: 1–2 weeks of bruising/swelling, compression garments for 4–6 weeks.
- Tummy Tuck: 2–3 weeks off work, 6+ weeks before lifting or core exercises.
What Affects Recovery Speed?
- Your Overall Health: Non-smokers with healthy habits tend to heal faster.
- Post-Op Compliance: Following instructions—like wearing compression, avoiding sun, and sleeping elevated—can drastically improve healing.
- Procedure Complexity: Combining surgeries increases recovery needs but can reduce total downtime overall.
Support You Can Count On
At Peterson MD, we make recovery easier with:
- Comprehensive aftercare kits
- In-depth pre- and post-surgery instructions
- Prompt communication for questions or concerns
- Follow-up visits to monitor your progress
Heal Confidently with Peterson MD in Kelowna
Whether you’re planning for a new look or preparing to combine multiple procedures, knowing the recovery timeline can help you make the best decision. At Peterson MD, we take time to educate every patient so you feel prepared—not overwhelmed. Recovery is a personal journey, and our Kelowna clinic supports you every step of the way with compassionate guidance and evidence-based protocols.
From facial procedures to body contouring, we’ll help you plan for time off, understand the healing process, and get back to feeling like yourself—refreshed and confident.
Contact us today to learn what recovery could look like for your aesthetic goals.
FAQs:
Q: How long will I need off work after plastic surgery?
A: It depends on your procedure—most patients take 1–3 weeks off, depending on the intensity and type of surgery.
Q: What’s the most common issue during recovery?
A: Swelling and bruising are the most common and usually resolve within a few weeks with proper care.
Q: Can I combine procedures to shorten recovery?
A: Yes, combining treatments like a facelift and eyelid surgery may lengthen initial downtime but reduce overall healing periods. Contact Peterson MD Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery today and we can help you choose with procedure, or combination of procedures will work best for you.
