Facelift in Barcelona:

Recovery from a facelift is gradual. During the first few days, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the face and neck. These discomforts tend to decrease as the days go by. At Clínica Birbe, we support you with check-ups and care guidelines tailored to your procedure, so you know what to expect at every stage.

Rest: how to sleep after surgery

During the first few days, sleep on your back—not on your side or stomach—and keep your head and upper torso slightly elevated. You can use a couple of pillows to help, making sure your neck remains comfortable and is not excessively flexed. This position helps reduce inflammation and avoids putting direct pressure on the areas that have undergone surgery.

Tu cirujano te indicará cuánto tiempo debes mantener estas precauciones según la técnica utilizada y tu evolución.

Alimentación: empieza con opciones fáciles de tomar

To begin with—and depending on your tolerance and our instructions—prioritize liquids and gradually transition to a soft diet over the first few days. Choose foods that are fresh or at room temperature, avoid very hot preparations, and ensure they are easy to chew.

You can opt for warm soups, yogurts, purées, and other foods with a soft texture. Maintain good hydration and a varied diet that provides the nutrients needed for recovery.

It is not necessary to remain on a liquid diet for the entire first month; the return to your usual diet will take place gradually, depending on your comfort level and the surgeon’s instructions.

Daily activity and return to work

Resting does not mean staying in bed all day. Once the team gives you the go-ahead, you can begin taking short, gentle walks, gradually increasing your activity level without overexerting yourself.

Many people need between two and four weeks to return to their work and social routines, although the timeframe depends on the type of facelift, whether other procedures were combined, and the demands of their job. Returning to a sedentary activity does not require the same things as performing physical tasks.

Allow some buffer time in your schedule: even if you feel well, some lingering inflammation or visible bruising may still be present.

Physical exercise: a gradual and supervised return

At Clínica Birbe, we recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity, lifting heavy loads, and participating in contact sports for the first two to three months, unless your surgeon adjusts this timeframe after assessing your progress.

This does not imply being inactive during that time. Walking and light tasks can be resumed sooner, following our instructions. Returning to the gym, running, or engaging in demanding workouts must be done gradually and with the surgeon’s authorization.

Monitoring and evolution of results

Improvement is seen gradually as the inflammation subsides and the tissues adapt. Returning to daily life does not mean that recovery is complete: residual inflammation and the maturation of scars can continue for several months.

Before discharge, you will receive instructions regarding medication, incision care, and follow-up appointments. If you experience sudden swelling—especially on one side—intense or worsening pain, persistent bleeding, or a fever, contact the team without waiting for your next visit. If you have difficulty breathing, seek urgent care.

Our goal is for you to experience your recovery with clear information, realistic expectations, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing who to turn to.