Facelift
The following instructions are intended to inform you and answer questions you may have pertaining to your surgery. Please read them carefully and completely. If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to call us. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your post-operative period.
Care Instructions Following a Facelift
- After surgery, sleep on two pillows on your back with your head elevated.
- Try to avoid sleeping on the side of your face for at least three weeks, if possible, to help prevent swelling.
- Keep cold compressed on both eyes constantly for the first and second day, until twenty minutes. You may use them constantly if desired. No ice bags.
- You will have a bandage on. If it seems too tight or otherwise uncomfortable, call our office. The dressings and drains, if any, will be removed in 24-48 hours.
- Begin taking sips of water, ice chips or 7UP: if tolerated, you may have coke, juices, soup or jello. Begin soft diet for supper. Continue a soft diet until advised otherwise. No drinking with straws.
- You may start showering and washing your hair 24 hours after the bandage is removed. Use only gentle Baby Shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry your hair only. No blow drying or hot curlers until approved by Dr. Chiaramonte. He will advise you when you can go to your hairdresser.
- Healing will determine when make-up can be applied and with the approval of Dr. Chiaramonte.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and activity for two to three weeks.
- No heavy lifting, pushing, driving or housework. Do not lower your head.
- Stay out of the sun and heat. Heat may produce prolonged swelling, and the direct rays of the sun interfere with healing, often causing new scars to become red and itchy and/or very dark, thus taking longer to fade. For the first three to four weeks, you should use protection in the form of sunscreens, scarves, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
- You may expect:
- Moderate discomfort. -- Use pain medication as ordered, taking only if and when needed.
- Moderate swelling may occur. -- Most swelling and discoloration will disappear by three to four weeks, but some may remain as long as three months.
- Bloodshot eyes. -- This may or may not occur.
- Slight amount of drainage from the stitch line may occur during the first few days after your bandage is removed.
- You may have a tight feeling and numbness around the face and neck, which usually lasts two to three months.
- Smokers heal more slowly than non-smokers.
Read more about facelift surgery with Dr. Chiaramonte.
Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office in Clinton, Maryland (MD) convenient from the Baltimore Maryland (MD), Washington, D.C. area.
