Once your surgery is completed, you must follow all the instructions given to you in order to heal properly and have a good outcome.
The following instructions are your obligation. Use this as a checklist of progress as you heal. Included are normal post-surgical experiences and key health considerations that may be a cause of concern.
Normal Post-Operative Symptoms
- Tightness or numbness of the cheeks, face and neck: bruising and swelling beneath the eyes. A pale, swollen complexion: these are normal experiences as the skin, tissues and sensory nerves heal. Pain medication will help you cope with any discomfort.
- If you have a drain placed in any incision, you may also experience localized discomfort at the drain site.
Call the office immediately if you experience any of the following:
- A high fever, (over 101 degrees) severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior, such as hallucinations.
- Any pain that cannot be controlled by your pain medication.
- Bright red skin that is hot to the touch.
- Consistent sharp pain should be reported to our office immediately.
- Excessive bleeding or fluid seeping through the incisions.
- A severely misshapen appearance or excessive bruising or fluid retention that is localized to one region.
Day of surgery instructions:
- Recline, do not lie down: this will be more comfortable for you, and can reduce swelling. Always keep your head elevated. Do not bend forward or over.
- Good nutrition: fluids are critical following surgery. Stick to non-carbonated, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free and green tea-free beverages including fruit juices and water, milk and yogurt drinks. You must consume at least 8 ounces of fluid every 2 hours. Stick with soft, bland, nutritious food for the first 24 hours.
- Take all medication, exactly as prescribed. Oral pain medication, antibiotics and other medications.
- Keep your incisions clean. Your incisions will seep fluid and some blood for a short time after surgery. A cotton swab soaked in warm water is appropriate for cleansing incisions. Do not remove any crusting near your stitches. Do not remove any staples, sutures or steri-strips. If you have any drains placed, follow the instructions for cleansing and caring for drains.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can greatly impair your safety prior to surgery and you ability to heal following surgery. You must not smoke.
- Relax . Do not engage in any stressful activities. Let others tend to you.
Two to seven days following surgery
During this time you will progress with each day that passes. Ease into your daily activities. You will receive clearance to begin driving or return to work at your post-operative visit.
- Continue your wound care as directed. Do not use any styling products or tools until all stitches are removed AND until your incisions no longer have any crusting or scabbing.
- Apply ointment and skincare as directed. Do not use any glycolic, retinoid or other potentially irritating skincare products on your face.
- Refrain from direct sun exposure. Continue to wear your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. If you are outdoors, apply at least an SPF 30 at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Your face is highly susceptible to sunburn or the formation of irregular, darkened pigmentation.
- Do not smoke. While incisions may have sealed, smoking deprives your body of necessary oxygen that can result in poorly healed, wide, raised scars.
- Refrain from any strenuous exercise and from bending or lifting.
- You may begin sleeping in a modified reclining position. However do not sleep lying flat or on your stomach. If you are a side sleeper
- One to four weeks following surgery
Six weeks following surgery
Healing will progress; swelling and bruising continue to diminish.
- You may ease into your regular fitness routine. However protective eyewear and a hat are necessary when outdoors.
- Discomfort or tightness and tingling in your face will resolve.
- No need to resume smoking. You have now gone 10 weeks (4 weeks prior to surgery and 6 weeks following) without a cigarette. For your long-term health, there is no need to resume smoking.
- You may notice some hair loss at incision sites within the scalp. This is normal. If it becomes excessive, or the hair is shedding in clumps, please notify our office.
Your first year
- Continue good skincare and sun protection, healthy nutrition and fitness.
- Schedule any complementary procedures, as recommended. Botulinum injections or specific skincare treatments may be recommended to enhance your results, and to help your results to be long-lasting.
- Your scars will continue to refine. If they become raised, red or thickened, or appear to widen, contact our office. Early intervention is important to achieving well-healed scars. Scars are generally refined to fine incision lines one year after surgery.
- A one-year post surgery follow-up is recommended. However you may call our office at any time with your concerns or for needed follow-up.
Your appearance will change with age: Your facial appearance may change too. You may wish to undergo revision surgery at a late date to help maintain your appearance throughout life. Contact our office with any of your questions or concerns.
