FACIAL CONTOURING: RECOVERY, DAY BY DAY

Hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights; compression band for 1 to 4 weeks; most visible swelling gone at 4 to 6 weeks.

Day by day

Day 1 to 3Swelling peaks. Liquid or soft food only.
Week 1 to 4Compression band; soft diet for several weeks.
Week 4 to 6Most visible swelling gone.
Month 3 to 6Bone heals and the final shape appears.

Flying home

Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.

Avoid

Hard or chewy food for several weeks
Hard exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks
Pressure on your face

Pack

A blender and protein shakes
Lip balm
Cold packs
Button-front tops

Call your clinic or get help if

New asymmetry with pain
Trouble breathing
Numbness of the lip or chin that does not improve (tell your surgeon)
Fever over 38°C, pus, or a wound that opens.
Sudden swelling and pain on one side.
Pain that gets worse instead of better.

Please note

Recovery figures come mostly from Korean clinic guidance and patient reports; your surgeon's plan comes first.

General information from medical sources (Cleveland Clinic, NHS, ASPS, AAD and published studies), not medical advice. Your clinic's own aftercare instructions come first.

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Facial contouring: what to expect →What facial contouring costs in Seoul →Questions to ask at your consultation →

Frequently asked questions

How long is the recovery after facial contouring?: Hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights; compression band for 1 to 4 weeks; most visible swelling gone at 4 to 6 weeks.
When can I fly home after facial contouring?: Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.
What should I avoid after facial contouring?: Hard or chewy food for several weeks. Hard exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Pressure on your face.
What should I pack for facial contouring in Seoul?: A blender and protein shakes, Lip balm, Cold packs, Button-front tops.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the recovery after facial contouring?

Hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights; compression band for 1 to 4 weeks; most visible swelling gone at 4 to 6 weeks.

When can I fly home after facial contouring?

Your surgeon signs you off. Usually at least 1 to 2 weeks after face surgery, and up to 4 weeks after a general anesthetic. On the plane, wear compression stockings, drink water and walk around.

What should I avoid after facial contouring?

Hard or chewy food for several weeks. Hard exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Pressure on your face.

What should I pack for facial contouring in Seoul?

A blender and protein shakes, Lip balm, Cold packs, Button-front tops.