Please follow these instructions carefully. Your final result will depend upon how well you care for the treated areas.
NO ICING ON THE AREAS WHERE YOU HAD FAT GRAFTING.
If you also had EYELID surgery: Use cold compresses just over your eyes for 15min every hour for the first 2 days.
REST: Sleep on your back with your head elevated 45 degrees (at least 3 pillows) for one week.
Do not sleep with pets or sick people during the first week of recovery.
MEDICATIONS: Take all prescriptions as instructed, along with your regular medications.
Pain Medication: use Extra-Strength Tylenol to control pain. You may take the prescription pain medication if needed (though this may contribute to constipation and/or nausea).
Antibiotic: take as prescribed, it’s important that you complete the entire course of antibiotics.
Resuming Medications/Blood Thinners: You may resume hormones & birth control pills the day after surgery, as long as you are up and walking. You may resume aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, supplements, & the rest of the restricted items 1 week after surgery.
SHOWERING AND HYGIENE: You may take a shower and wash your hair and face the day after surgery.
Cleaning your face: use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, start washing your face the day after surgery, gently pat dry with a clean washcloth. Do NOT rub your face.
Hand Washing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 30 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, to prevent infection.
FOOD AND DRINK: Drink plenty of fluids and add extra protein to your diet to help with healing.
Avoid salty foods (Sodium)
Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol for 1 week post-op.
DO NOT SMOKE or use any nicotine devices such as Vapes.
Smoking (tobacco, marijuana, or vapes) can result in a lack of blood supply to tissues and fat causing tissue death or delayed wound healing. Even 0% nicotine vapes contain a trace amount of nicotine that the FDA accepts as 0%.
Do not allow those caring for you to smoke around you as second-hand smoke can be detrimental to your recovery.
Smoking can resume 6 weeks after surgery at the earliest.
MAKE-UP: You may wear make-up at 7 days post-op. Please ask at your post-op visit.
WALKING:
It is important to get out of bed early and often after your surgery (with assistance) to prevent postoperative problems. Walking encourages blood flow throughout your legs to reduce the chance of blood clot development.
IF YOU HAVE SHORTNESS OF BREATH, LEG SWELLING, AND/OR LEG PAIN AT ANY POINT IN YOUR POSTOPERATIVE HEALING, GO TO AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY (OR CALL 911) AS THIS COULD SIGNIFY A BLOOD CLOT.
ACTIVITY: No strenuous exercise, bending over from the waist, or lifting heavy objects for 3 weeks after surgery. No swimming for 3 weeks after surgery.
SUN EXPOSURE: do not get direct sun on your face for 2 weeks after surgery. Wear a visor or sun hat if outside on sunny days and wear sunblock.
IF YOU SHAVE YOUR FACE: No shaving your face for 3 full days after surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
Bruises, Swelling, and Tightness: Bruising may appear days after surgery. Swelling and tightness are often greatest on days 2 and 3 after surgery. Note that new bruising and increased swelling to the face and neck may occur days later and the bruising may travel down your neck. If you had a browlift or eyelid surgery, the bruising may travel down your cheeks or under your eyes. These are normal and should not cause undue stress. If you are concerned, please feel free to call the office.
It is normal to be swollen and bruised the first 1-3 weeks. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. Do not critique your result yet, as you’re still healing. You may notice differences in your face, even from side to side, which is due to swelling and will even out. Swelling will continue to resolve over the 2-4 weeks after surgery.
Feeling Tired? – You may not feel as if you have your usual energy level back. This is normal and it may take a couple of weeks before you begin to feel like yourself again.
Feeling Down? – It is perfectly normal for some patients to feel “not oneself” or “a little down” after surgery. This may be due to a few reasons, the effects of Valium, not getting enough fluids or food, or even not knowing what to expect after surgery. Please be assured that swelling, bruising, and low energy are all normal outcomes from surgery, and are all temporary and will subside.
