Cold Compresses

• The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends cold compresses to take down any unpleasant swelling of the face. Most major retailers sell masks that can be placed in the freezer until cold, and then worn to deliver cold compression to the region surrounding the eyes, upper nose and upper cheeks. If you wish to make your own simply using ice in a plastic bag, be sure to wrap the bag first in an insulating layer of fabric, such as a hand towel, to avoid potential cold damage to the facial skin. By causing the blood and tissues of the face to contract, cold compresses can be effective in reducing or eliminating facial swelling.
  
  

Elevate at Bedtime

• Another way to elevate facial swelling at home, says MedlinePlus, is to keep your head elevated when sleeping. The head of an adjustable bed can be raised if you have one, otherwise, it is advisable to stack extra pillows beneath your head before you go to sleep. Keeping your head elevated during sleep can help prevent excess fluid from building up in the swollen facial tissues, and is likely to reduce swelling--the general rule for elevation of any swollen body part is to keep it above the level of your heart. Propping your head up while sleeping is an easy and comfortable remedy for facial swelling.
  
  

Reduce Salt Intake

• Reducing salt intake is an effective way to minimize or eliminate facial swelling. The fluid retention that leads to a swollen face is cause by the kidneys' retaining of salt, which may be due to heart conditions and other ailments, according to MedicineNet. Foods to avoid--in order to reduce salt intake--are common items such as potato chips, french fries, fast food and simply the salt shaker itself. This remedy has been recommended for many years by doctors as an alternative to prescription diuretics.
  
  

Home Diuretics

• The term "diuretic" simply means a substance that increases the flow of urine from the body. A facial swelling remedy that can be found in nearly any home may be surprisingly simple. Coffee, tea, or "water pills" all work using the same active ingredient--caffeine. Caffeine is listed on MedicineNet as a diuretic, and is more than likely the most common diuretic you can find at home. While using caffeine as a diuretic may yield effective results to combat facial swelling, don't go overboard. Monitor caffeine intake at a sensible level, and if you have heart problems, discuss using caffeine as a remedy for facial swelling with your doctor.