Surgical Timelines

Every surgery is unique, but good planning starts with knowing what to expect. Our surgical timelines help you understand general healing milestones, activity restrictions, and when you’ll likely start seeing results.

What to Expect After Surgery With Dr. Coombs

Dr. Allison Coombs provides highly customized surgical care—your exact recovery will depend on the procedure performed, your anatomy, and overall health. That said, most patients find comfort in having a general idea of what the healing journey looks like. Below are typical timelines for some of the most common surgeries Dr. Coombs performs.

Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Day One to Two: Mild swelling and tightness; vision may be slightly blurry
Days Three to Five: Peak swelling/bruising; cold compresses and eye drops as directed
Days Five to Seven: Sutures (if used) may be removed; most patients feel ready to resume light activities
Week Two: Swelling greatly reduced; makeup may be worn if cleared by Dr. Coombs
Week Six+: Final results become visible as incisions fade and skin settles

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Days One to Three: Bruising and puffiness under the eyes; use of lubricating drops or ointment
Week One: Gradual improvement in swelling; some tightness or dryness may persist
Weeks Two to Three: Most bruising resolves; patients typically resume work and social activities
Month Two+: Smoother contours and brighter under-eye appearance become apparent

Midface Lift

Days One to Three: Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort; head elevation recommended
Week One: Sutures removed; most patients return to light activity
Weeks Two to Three: Swelling subsides noticeably; facial movement feels more natural
Months One to Three: Refined contours settle in, and scars begin to fade

Brow Lift

Days One to Two: Mild pressure or discomfort; forehead feels tight or numb.
Week One: Swelling and bruising improve significantly.
Week Two: Results begin to show, and most patients resume social activities.
Months One to Three: Full lifting effect and incision fading continue to improve.

Facial Trauma or Fracture Repair

Days One to Five: Significant swelling and bruising; rest and limited activity advised
Week Two: Functional improvements noted (breathing, blinking, etc.)
Months One to Two: Most patients return to normal activities with noticeable healing
Months Three+: Ongoing refinement as bones and soft tissue fully heal

Mohs Reconstructive Surgery

Day of Surgery: Minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia
Days One to Five: Swelling and bruising around the repair site; sutures may be visible
Weeks One to Two: Suture removal and scar optimization strategies begin
Months One to Three: Natural results continue to refine, and scars soften

*Real Patient

Essential Notes on Surgical Timelines

Healing is not always linear. Minor fluctuations in swelling, tightness, or asymmetry are normal as tissues adjust.
Dr. Coombs provides personalized recovery protocols based on your procedure and anatomy.
Sun protection is essential to protect healing skin and minimize scarring.
Follow-up visits are included to ensure your recovery is progressing safely and beautifully.

Your Recovery, Closely Monitored

Dr. Coombs stays involved in your healing process long after surgery day. Whether you're recovering from a cosmetic lift or reconstructive repair, every milestone is supported with professional follow-up, honest communication, and detailed aftercare instructions.