One Week After Surgery: Early Healing After Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation
At one week postoperatively, the face is in a remarkable state of transition—where the intensity of early healing begins to give way to refinement, structure, and emerging results. This stage offers a first glimpse into what a thoughtfully executed surgical plan can achieve.
My patient, who traveled from out of state for her procedure, is now one week out from a comprehensive facial rejuvenation that included a midface lift, lower facelift, neck lift, autologous fat grafting, and erbium laser resurfacing. She is progressing beautifully, and her recovery reflects both the precision of the surgery and the body’s innate ability to heal.
What We Performed—and Why
This combination of procedures is designed to address the face holistically. A midface lift restores volume and position to the cheeks, elevating the central face and softening the transition into the nasolabial folds. A lower facelift refines the jawline and addresses marionette lines, while a neck lift creates a cleaner, more defined contour beneath the chin.
Autologous fat grafting complements these structural changes by restoring volume with the patient’s own tissue—softening contours and improving skin quality in a way that feels natural and lasting. Erbium laser resurfacing completes the transformation at the surface level, refining texture, tone, and fine lines.
Each component plays a distinct role, but together they create a result that is balanced, cohesive, and aligned with the patient’s natural anatomy.
The One-Week Milestone
At one week, swelling and bruising are still present—but significantly improved from the immediate postoperative period. Most patients are past the peak of swelling and beginning to feel more like themselves. Sutures are typically removed around this time, and the skin—particularly after laser resurfacing—has begun to re-epithelialize, revealing a smoother, more even surface beneath.
For this patient, the early results are already visible. The midface appears more lifted and supported, the jawline is cleaner, and the neck contour is more defined. The skin, though still healing, shows improved clarity and refinement.
Importantly, her expression remains completely natural. There is no sense of tightness or distortion—only a softer, more rested version of her baseline.
The Role of Recovery in the Final Result
What’s often underestimated is how much the recovery process contributes to the final outcome. Careful postoperative management—both in-office and at home—plays a critical role in minimizing swelling, supporting healing, and optimizing results.
For patients traveling from out of state, this requires an added layer of coordination and communication. Close follow-up, clear guidance, and a structured recovery plan ensure that healing progresses smoothly, even at a distance.
Looking Ahead
At one week, we are still early in the process. Swelling will continue to resolve over the coming weeks, and the skin will further refine in texture and tone as collagen remodeling progresses. Fat grafting will continue to integrate, and the final contours will gradually settle into place.
But even now, the trajectory is clear.
The goal of facial rejuvenation is never to change who someone is—it is to restore what has been lost over time. When done with precision and restraint, the result is not a different face, but a return to balance, structure, and ease.
And at one week, we are already seeing that story begin to unfold.
Appointment Inquiries
For inquiries and appointments, please email appointments at appointments@laradevganmd.com or call 212-452-2400. You may also use the following button to schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
