Facelift Post-Operative Instructions

After your surgery it's normal to experience:

  • A small amount of blood oozing from incisions

  • Mild pain or discomfort

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Discomfort with chewing

  • Tightness in cheeks/neck

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Call the office if you experience:

  • Severe or increasing pain on 1 side

  • Enlargement of one side that feels as if fluid is trapped beneath the skin

  • Large amounts of active bleeding

  • Fever of greater than 101 degrees

  • Nausea and vomiting that lasts beyond the first day

  • A foul odor from incisions

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Quick post-op reminders:

  • Your head wrap should be worn nearly 24 hours a day for the first 3 days. You may remove it to shower, or for a short break. For post-surgery days 3-7, it is only mandatory to wear the wrap at night, but wearing it during the day will hasten the decrease in swelling.

  • Apply ice packs as much as possible for the first 3 days. After day 3, ice should be applied for 20-40 minutes twice a day, for three more days.

  • You may shower the day after your procedure and gently shampoo your hair. Apply antibiotic ointment to incisions and replace your head wrap when your hair is dry. 

  • Do not exercise until your post-op visit, usually around 12 days, although walking is permitted.

  • You may resume taking Aspirin or drinking alcohol after 4 days if you have had no bleeding or other problems.