Plastic surgery can be intimidating, especially when considering recovery times and life post treatment. But not all surgeries are created equally, and some have far easier bounce back processes than others. The holiday season can be a great time to undertake a long awaited procedure that may not have fit into our schedule this past year.
When considering anything in the cosmetic medicine world, it’s always important to seek out experts to bolster the information seeking and decision making process. We reached out to Dr. Ron Somogyi, Dr. Waqqas Jalil and Dr. Michael Brandt of FORM Face+Body for the benefit of their expertise, and we were surprised at what we learned, especially when it came to how many procedures had reasonable recovery times.
When it comes to any surgical procedure, Dr Somogyi recommends doing your research. “Understanding the steps from the first time you pick-up the phone to your final follow-up with your surgeon is essential” says Dr Somogyi. “Feeling comfortable with the care and support you will be getting will make your recovery go smoothly”.
Here are 5 plastic surgeries with the shortest recovery times, according to our expert surgeons from FORM Face+Body.
Surgical options
Buccal Fat Removal: We have noticed several celebrities popping up in our feed with noticeably sharper facial angles, most likely due to this popular, quick healing procedure.. Slimming the cheeks can enhance facial angles, defining a more chiseled look that’s increasingly popular among men seeking a refined profile.
Recovery Time: 1-3 weeks
Breast Augmentation, Lift, or Reduction
While this procedure is performed in an operating room, it has a surprisingly short recovery period and is considered to be one of the quickest. That means you won’t be doing anything that puts strain on the breast area—no reaching, stretching, lifting, pulling, or pushing as well as avoiding anything that may be uncomfortable or painful to your pectoral region
Recovery: 1-3 weeks. Within about a week, most patients are able to return to light activity, and more strenuous activity in about three weeks post-surgery. You’ll get the go-ahead from the surgeons when it’s appropriate to resume regular activity.
Brachioplasty
Also known as arm lift surgery, Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm region. It’s a procedure that can be performed on its own or in combination with liposuction. The arm lift procedure reduces excess sagging skin and localized fat pockets. It also tightens and smooths underlying supportive tissue. Brachioplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia.
There are two variants to the procedure: a modified version and a full version. In the modified version, there’s less time spent recovering due to the fact that it removes less skin and fat. The full version involves more extensive fat and skin removal. Each version is intended to make the arms appear trim, firm, and smooth. Not everyone is a candidate for the modified procedure, but if you undergo this version, returning to work and most of your regular activities could occur within a week.
Recovery: 2-3 weeks and back to exercise with 6 weeks
Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is a procedure that corrects drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle from the area. In some cases, eyelid surgery corrects overhanging upper lids that obscure vision. The result of cosmetic eyelid surgery is a more youthful and well-rested appearance without a change in the shape or expression of the eyes.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure and can take between one and two hours. It can be combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift and/or facelift, in which case the total procedure time is increased. The first one to two hours after eyelid surgery are spent in the recovery room, where cold compresses are applied to minimize swelling.
In most cases, any bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week. Stitches are removed between five and seven days after surgery, at which point you can resume wearing makeup and using contact lenses. Most patients can return to work and social activities after one week and resume strenuous physical exercise within two or three weeks.
Recovery: 2-3 weeks
Brow Lift
A subtle lift can transform a face from weary to vibrant. FORM specializes in both full and minimally invasive techniques tailored to suit the individual and their lifestyle.
Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks
Non-Surgical Quick Healing Options
Those who are looking for non-surgical but noticeable changes may consider injectable treatments that produce dramatic results.
Liquid Rhinoplasty
In specific circumstances, injectable filler can be used to subtly change the shape of the nose. This treatment is best for improving your appearance from a profiles/side view by reducing the visibility of a nasal bump/hump. Results are immediate and you can get back to all normal activities after 24hrs.
Recovery Time – None, you can get right back to normal activities after receiving injectable filler, with any mild swelling or bruising subsiding within a few hours.
Header Photo by JAFAR AHMED on Unsplash
Nadia Elkharadly
Latest posts by Nadia Elkharadly (see all)
- Community Rocks – a party with a purpose this November - November 18, 2025
- The Weeknd Donates $350,000 to Hurricane Relief efforts in Jamaica - November 16, 2025