Most people return to work around five to seven days after FaceTite, once the main swelling and bruising have eased. You wear a chin and neck compression garment for the first week or two, the treated area may feel firm for several weeks, and the skin continues to tighten gradually over six to twelve months.
How FaceTite affects recovery
FaceTite uses radiofrequency energy delivered through a thin probe placed under the skin through a few small entry points, with an external electrode gliding over the surface. The heat melts a little fat and stimulates the tissues to contract. Because there are no long incisions, recovery is shorter than after a facelift, but the tissues have still been treated from beneath and need time to settle.
The first 48 hours
FaceTite is usually performed under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation. Afterwards the treated area feels swollen, tight and tender, and some fluid may leak from the small entry points for the first day; absorbent dressings help. Wear your compression garment as instructed, sleep with your head raised on two or three pillows and take the painkillers recommended. If you had sedation, someone must take you home and stay with you overnight.
The first week
- Garment: worn day and night, removed only briefly for washing, usually for the first week.
- Swelling and bruising: at their most noticeable around days two to four, then gradually easing.
- Entry points: keep clean and dry; any stitches are usually removed at around five to seven days.
- Activity: walk gently around the house and avoid bending, heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
- Work: many people take five to seven days off, or work from home if their job allows.
Weeks two to six
Most visible bruising has gone by the second week, and many people feel comfortable socially, sometimes with a little make-up. The garment is often worn at night for a further one to two weeks. The skin along the jaw and under the chin can feel firm, lumpy or slightly numb; gentle massage, when advised, helps it soften. Light exercise can usually be resumed after about two weeks and more strenuous workouts after three to four weeks, once Mr Nassab is happy with your progress. Avoid saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds while the tissues are healing.
Three to twelve months
Skin tightening after FaceTite is gradual, because the collagen in the treated tissues remodels slowly. Many people notice a more defined jawline and neck from around three months, with changes continuing for up to a year. Any residual firmness usually resolves during this time. The entry points fade to small marks that are usually hard to see. Protect the skin from sun damage and keep your weight stable to help maintain the result.
Driving, sleeping and daily life
You should not drive for at least 24 hours after sedation, and only when you can turn your head comfortably and wear the garment safely. Sleep on your back with your head raised for the first week or two. Avoid resting your chin on your hand. Makeup can usually be worn away from the entry points after a few days.
When to contact the team
Some swelling, bruising and tightness is expected. Please get in touch if you notice:
- Blistering, darkening or a patch of skin that looks unusual: contact the team promptly, as this may be a thermal injury.
- A rapidly enlarging, tense swelling under the chin or on one side of the neck: contact the surgical team urgently.
- Fever or spreading redness: contact the team the same day.
- Chest pain or breathlessness: call 999.
A lopsided smile or weakness of the lower lip can occasionally occur because of irritation to a small nerve along the jaw; it is usually temporary, but let the team know. The FaceTite risks guide explains this further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is FaceTite downtime?
Most people need around five to seven days before they feel comfortable returning to work, with residual swelling settling over the following weeks.
How long is the chin strap worn?
Typically day and night for the first week, then at night for a further one to two weeks, depending on Mr Nassab's advice.
When do results appear?
Some improvement may be seen once swelling settles, but tightening continues gradually for six to twelve months.
Why does my jaw feel lumpy after FaceTite?
Firmness and small lumps are common in the first weeks as the tissues heal. They usually soften over time, helped by gentle massage when advised.
When can exercise resume after FaceTite?
Gentle walking is encouraged straight away. Most people resume light exercise after about two weeks and full workouts after three to four weeks.
