What to expect overall
Facial fat transfer (fat grafting) moves small volumes of your own fat to restore contour in areas like the cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eye hollows. Recovery is straightforward when you understand what’s normal—temporary swelling, color changes, and a “too full” look that settles as the body calms and a portion of the grafted fat integrates. My goal is to keep you comfortable, keep swelling predictable, and guide you back to normal life without guesswork.
Important: The outline below complements your personalized instructions. Always follow the specific guidance we gave you at discharge if anything differs.
Recovery timeline at a glance
- Days 1–3: Swelling peaks; expect a puffy or “over-corrected” look. Keep your head elevated, use approved cool compresses, and walk short distances indoors.
- Days 4–7: Bruising evolves from purple/blue to green/yellow. Most people feel social with light concealer by the end of week one.
- Weeks 2–3: Swelling steadily declines. You’ll look more like “you,” though subtle fullness can persist—especially mornings.
- Weeks 4–6: Residual swelling continues to fade; resume most exercise as cleared.
- Months 2–3: Contour refines; the fat that “took” is now living tissue and behaves like you (gaining/losing with weight).
Day-by-day detail (first 10 days)
Use this as a reference; your visits with us will tailor the pacing.
- Day 0 (procedure day): You go home the same day. Keep your head elevated. Small entry points on the face and a donor site (usually abdomen or flanks) are covered.
- Day 1: Peak swelling begins. Mild oozing at entry points is normal. Alternate short cool compresses (as instructed) with rest and brief walks.
- Day 2: Swelling typically peaks around 48–72 hours. The face may look fuller than expected—that’s normal and planned for.
- Day 3: Expect tightness and “pressure.” Most patients need only over-the-counter pain relief by now.
- Day 4: Bruising becomes more colorful; tenderness decreases. Continue elevation and avoid pressure to grafted zones.
- Day 5: Many patients feel “desk-work ready” with concealer or glasses. Driving is okay if you’re off prescription pain meds and feel steady.
- Day 6–7: Social downtime improves. Some plan a casual outing with soft lighting to “test the waters.”
- Day 8–10: Swelling and color changes continue to recede. Light cardio (walks, gentle stationary cycling) is often resumed if cleared.
Comfort plan: medications & simple care
We individualize your regimen. The example below shows how a typical week can look—your prescription list wins if anything differs.
| Item | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription pain reliever | First 24–48 hours as needed | Switch to OTC once comfortable; no driving while on narcotics. |
| OTC pain reliever | Days 2–7 as needed | Use the type we cleared for you; avoid blood-thinning agents unless approved. |
| Antibiotic (if prescribed) | As directed | Finish the full course; report rashes or GI upset if severe. |
| Antinausea (if prescribed) | PRN for 24–48 hours | Often unnecessary after day 1. |
| Topicals | Start after incisions are sealed | We’ll tell you when to begin; avoid harsh acids and retinoids initially. |
| Cold compresses | 10 min on / 20 min off (Days 1–3) | Never apply ice directly to skin; avoid pressure over grafted areas. |
Sleeping & positioning
- Head elevation: Two pillows or a wedge for the first week reduces morning puffiness.
- Face protection: Don’t sleep on your side or stomach until we clear you; avoid pressure on grafted regions.
- Donor site: If we gave you a light garment, wear it as directed for comfort and even support.
Activity & exercise
- Walking: Start day 1. Short, frequent walks help circulation and mood.
- Cardio: Gentle stationary cycling or treadmill walking can often resume by days 7–10 if swelling is stable.
- Strength training: Resume gradually after 3–4 weeks; avoid straining that reddens or