Understanding realistic day-by-day recovery helps plan your trip and manage expectations. Here's what to actually expect for common procedures.
Double eyelid surgery: Day 1-3: Significant swelling, difficulty fully opening eyes, mild pain controlled with medication. Day 4-7: Swelling reduces, stitches removed around day 5-7, light activities possible. Week 2: Most swelling resolved, makeup can cover remaining issues. Full result: 3-6 months.
Rhinoplasty: Day 1-3: Facial swelling, bruising around eyes, nasal congestion, splint on nose. Day 7: Splint removed, dramatic improvement in appearance. Week 2-3: Most visible bruising gone, can return to most activities. Full result: 12-18 months (tip swelling takes longest).
V-line (jaw) surgery: Day 1-3: Significant facial swelling, liquid diet only, difficulty speaking. Week 1: Swelling peaks then begins reducing, soft food possible. Week 2-3: Dramatically improved, flight possible. Month 2-3: Most swelling resolved. Full result: 6-12 months.
Fat grafting: Day 1-3: Swelling and bruising at donor and recipient sites. Week 1: Major swelling subsides. Month 1: Initial result visible, but volume will decrease as some fat is absorbed. Month 3-6: Final result stabilized.
Plan your stay with buffer time—healing isn't perfectly predictable, and rushing home too soon risks complications.
