One of the first questions patients ask isn’t about the surgery itself—it’s about what comes after. “How long will I be out?” “When can I go back to work?” “How soon will I feel like myself again?”
At Athre Facial Plastics in Houston, post-operative healing is treated as seriously as the procedure. Recovery isn’t just the body’s responsibility—it’s ours too. Through refined surgical techniques and a comprehensive healing protocol, we’ve dramatically shortened downtime without cutting corners on care or results.
Every surgical procedure, from facelifts to rhinoplasty, creates controlled trauma to the body. Healing is the body’s job, but smart strategies can help it do that job faster and better. At our practice, recovery isn’t an afterthought. It’s engineered.
Our approach focuses on three key goals:
Downtime depends on many factors, and we’ve broken them into three main categories:
Let’s break those down.
The best results start with preparation. At Athre, preoperative optimization is never skipped. It's about tuning your body into its healthiest, most stable state to heal quickly and avoid complications.
We focus on:
Every detail matters. Even commonly used supplements like Omega-3 or Vitamin E may be paused before surgery to reduce bruising. At the same time, we introduce nutrients that support post-op recovery without increasing bleeding risk.
Intraoperative changes have been some of the most impactful in shortening the recovery process.
Patients now often leave surgery walking, talking, and in some cases, heading out to dinner that same night. This is surgery made smarter.
Recovery doesn’t end when the procedure does. Our postoperative care program is built to actively support the healing process, starting immediately after you leave the operating room.
We use Elixir MD™, a high-intensity LED system, starting before surgery and continuing throughout your recovery. It promotes:
Its Cellular Repair Protocol uses yellow light to move fluid away from the surgical area and encourage faster tissue repair.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been a game changer. By delivering pure oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, it floods healing tissues with oxygen-rich blood, improving:
Studies show that HBOT can significantly cut recovery time in facelift patients. It also reduces inflammation and helps prevent complications in delicate areas like the face and neck.
Your body can’t heal without fuel. We’ve integrated a postoperative IV nutrient protocol to deliver essential vitamins and minerals that support tissue repair, reduce swelling, and strengthen immunity. It’s a boost your body can use immediately—no digestion required.
Nearly every cosmetic surgery patient at Athre benefits from our enhanced recovery model, including those undergoing:
Each recovery plan is personalized depending on the specific procedure, your unique needs, and your goals for recovery. Whether you're taking a week off work or prepping for a big event, your post-operative care will reflect your timeline.
For patients who need extra support, we also offer in-home visits. Our team can assist with:
This personalized approach to post-operative care helps ensure that you feel confident, cared for, and fully supported in the crucial early stages of healing.
No two patients recover the same way. Your skin, your immune system, and your lifestyle—all play a role in the healing process. That’s why our post-op care plan isn’t one-size-fits-all.
We tailor support based on:
From Day 1 to Day 10 and beyond, our team remains hands-on to monitor your recovery, address any concerns, and help you achieve the best possible results.
Your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery isn’t just about the result—it’s about the entire experience. A smoother, faster recovery:
Post-operative care isn’t glamorous, but it’s where great outcomes take root. And at Athre Facial Plastics, we treat it with the respect and rigor it deserves.
If you're considering a procedure but have concerns about recovery, let's talk. Dr. Athre and our Houston-based team will walk you through the full post-operative care plan, answer your questions, and help you feel fully prepared.
Most of our facelift patients return to normal activity in about 10 days, with some resuming light activity even earlier.
Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly speed healing by improving oxygenation, reducing inflammation, and promoting new tissue growth.
Absolutely. We start light therapy immediately after surgery to reduce bruising and improve lymphatic flow. It’s non-invasive and extremely well-tolerated.
Yes. We offer enhanced recovery support—including IV vitamins, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and in-home care—for all major body contouring surgeries.
