Planning for Facial Surgery: What You Need to Know Before Booking

If you’ve been thinking about facial plastic surgery — whether it’s eyelid surgery, a facelift, a neck lift, or something more targeted — you might be wondering: When’s the right time? The short answer? When you’re ready. It doesn’t matter if it’s January or July, spring or fall — the calendar doesn’t dictate your ideal timing. What matters most is that you’re informed, prepared, and have realistic expectations about the healing process.

Dr. Robert Schwarcz, with offices on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Rye, NY, takes a highly personalized approach to surgical planning. Whether you’ve been thinking about a procedure for years or just started exploring options, here’s what you should know before setting the date.

When Is the Right Time to Have Surgery?

A lot of people assume there’s a “perfect” season for cosmetic surgery — maybe in the winter when you can bundle up, or in the summer when things slow down. But the truth is, the right time is when you feel ready, both mentally and logistically.

That means:

• You’ve had a thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon.

• You understand the procedure and recovery expectations.

• You’ve arranged time off from work or social obligations.

• You feel emotionally ready to take this step for yourself, not for anyone else.

That’s what makes it the right time.

Planning for Time Off

Even with the most advanced techniques and a skilled surgeon, recovery still takes time — and you’ll want to plan ahead so you can truly rest and heal without pressure.

Most patients should plan for two to three weeks off from in-person obligations like work, social events, or travel. You may feel physically fine much sooner, but swelling and bruising can linger — and you want to give your body the quiet time it needs to recover fully.

Bonus tip: If you’re working remotely or have control over your schedule, you may be able to ease back into your routine a little earlier — but be kind to yourself. Healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, too.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery varies based on the type of procedure. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Eyelid Surgery (Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty)

• Bruising & Swelling: Typically 1–3 weeks

• Help at Home: You may want someone around for the first few days

• Visibility: Incisions are well-hidden but may be slightly pink in the early weeks

Facelift or Neck Lift

• Bruising & Swelling: More noticeable for the first 2–4 weeks

• Help at Home: Assistance is highly recommended for the first 48–72 hours

• Compression Garments & Stitches: May be part of your early recovery protocol

These estimates are typical, but individual healing times can vary depending on your overall health, skin quality, and how closely you follow post-op instructions.

Healing Timeline: When Will You See Final Results?

Here’s where planning really comes into play. While the most dramatic swelling usually subsides in the first few weeks, your final results take longer to reveal themselves. Healing is a process — and it’s one that rewards patience.

For Eyelid Surgery:

• Initial Results: Begin to show around 1–3 weeks

• Looking "Camera-Ready": Around 2–3 months

• Final Healing: By 6 months, scars fade and swelling is fully gone

If you’re planning to be in a wedding, have an important in-person event, or expect to be photographed or filmed, it’s best to allow 2–3 months minimum between surgery and your big moment.

For Facelift/Neck Lift:

• Initial Results: Around 3–4 weeks post-op

• Looking "Camera-Ready": Around 3–4 months

• Final Healing: Around the 6-month mark

Swelling tends to linger longer in the lower face and neck, so while you may look amazing by 4–6 weeks, your best results will continue to develop over several months.

The Bottom Line: Plan Ahead and Trust the Process

Cosmetic surgery is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself — but it’s not instant gratification. The key to loving your results isn’t just the procedure itself, it’s the preparation, planning, and patience that surround it.

Dr. Schwarcz’s approach is centered on natural-looking, long-lasting results that don’t give you a “surgical” appearance. That takes time, and it takes trust. But when you understand the full picture — from surgery day to six months out — the transformation is even more rewarding.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you're thinking about a surgical procedure but unsure when to start, we can help you create a plan that fits your goals and schedule. Dr. Schwarcz offers consultations at both his Upper East Side and Rye, NY offices, with personalized timelines based on your lifestyle and event calendar.

Click the Request an Appointment button below to get started — and take the first step toward the best version of you.