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.