Post Op Forms: Facelift Post Op
Post Care Instructions
Facelift
Please read your instructions carefully and call with any questions.
Position
When reclining, elevate your head and back with several pillows for the first 1-2 days after surgery. Lie on your back, rather than on your sides or stomach.
Ice
Ice packs or cool damp wash cloths should be applied on or around the treated areas. This will lessen the amount of swelling, bruising, and pain. If no bandages are present, place a cloth between the skin and the ice pack to protect the skin. Use ice for up to 45 minutes out of each waking hour for the first 24 hours. An easy schedule to follow is 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
Diet
First day: A liquid diet is recommended.
Second day: You may begin a diet of easily chewable foods and then you may resume your regular diet.
Activity
(A) During your first post-operative day, you should rest and keep your head elevated. Do not stay in bed all day.
(B) Avoid bending over or lifting more than 5 pounds during the first week.
(C) Take extra precaution to protect your head and neck from bumps, hits or injuries.
Hair Care
You may gently wash your hair after the bulky dressing is removed (1-3 days after surgery). This will require the temporary removal of the facial support garment. Take care not to saturate any remaining dressings around chin or face. Avoid hot air dryers since you may not have full sensation around your ears and areas of the incisions.
Other
Do not remove bandages unless otherwise instructed. A compression wrap or facial support garment is generally required for at least 3 weeks after surgery. It should be worn continually during the first week. After week one, it should be worn at night and around the house. It may be taken off for work or social events. The bruising will tend to settle in the neck area and can be easily covered with make-up. Leave chin dressings in place until the doctor removes them.
Cosmetics
You may apply cosmetics to untreated areas following surgery. Avoid any areas with skin stitches, abrasions or laser treatment. Make-up may be applied in the treated areas after the skin stitches have been removed, and when the abrasions, or laser treated areas are no longer weeping. Make-up may delay wound healing and possibly produce a permanent tattoo if it comes in contact with treated areas too soon.
Sports
Low intensity walking is permitted during the first week. No swimming, gym, or strenuous activities for two weeks. No diving or skiing for two months.
Sun Exposure
Protect your facial skin from excessive sun exposure as long as the treated area(s) are still pink. When the treated area(s) are no longer pink ordinary exposure is not harmful, but a sunscreen should always be used.
Medications
Prescription Pain Medication – take one tablet when you arrive home. Additional tablets may be taken one every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. CAUTION: do not drive or operate machinery while taking pain medications. Take with food or liquid to avoid nausea.
Other Pain Medications- Tylenol may be taken as directed in place of prescription pain medications. Avoid all other pain medications (e.g., aspirin, aleve, ibuprofen) as they may cause excessive bleeding.
Antibiotics – if prescribed, you will most likely be taking one tablet 3 or 4 times a day. Take them until they are gone.
Care of Skin Stitches – to start after bandage is removed
Supplies needed:
Polysporin/Vaseline or Bacitracin ointment
Cotton Tipped Applicators (Q-Tips, etc.)
3% Hydrogen Peroxide, fresh bottle
- Mix 2 Tbsp. peroxide with 2 Tbsp. tap water in a small container. Discard each time, do not save mixture.
- Use Q-tips and peroxide solution to clean all blood and material from the incisions. DO NOT leave any crusts or blood on the stitched areas. Repeat 3-4 times per day. Clean incisions from end to end.
- Cover ALL incisions and abrasions with a thin layer ointment – DO NOT allow ANY areas to dry out or scab over.
- Do not apply any bandages or other materials to the surgical area unless otherwise instructed.
PLEASE REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TO OUR OFFICE
- Sudden or excessive bleeding, swelling, or bruising.
- Any itching, rash or reaction to medications.
- Fever, temperature over 100 degrees (taken orally).
- Discharge from the incisions (other than blood).
- ANY INJURY to the face.
FAITHFUL ADHERENCE TO PRE- OPERATIVE AND POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS WILL HELP TO MINIMIZE SWELLING, PAIN AND DISCOMFORT. IF HAVE PROBLEMS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE. Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery office Phone Number (703) 729-0077