Facelift Surgery – Instructions Following Surgery
What To Expect Immediately After Surgery
- You will wake up with a helmet dressing on your head (i.e. bandages) and you may have some drains/tubes inserted in the back of this dressing, although this is not always the case. This is usually removed in 2 – 3 days.
- Your vision is likely to be blurred because of an ophthalmic ointment in the eyes (if you have had an eyelid procedure) and swelling from the surgery.
- Expect to feel tired for 7 – 10 days after surgery, especially after anaesthetics.
- Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure and prevent bleeding, decrease swelling and bruising.
Sleeping
- Rest quietly in bed with head raised on 2 – 3 pillows.
- Do not sleep on your sides or stomach for 6 weeks, otherwise swelling and bruising may persist longer.
Bruising And Swelling
- Keep ice compresses on the face intermittently for the first 48 hours.
- Intermittently, ice may be applied for one week for comfort.
- After eyelid and facial surgery, it is not uncommon for the eyelids to become swollen. Ice can be heavy on the eyes, so you can use ice cubes in a bowl of water and soak gauze squares. Alternatively, an ice pack or frozen peas are good for the brow area.
- Swelling is often worse the second day after surgery. Do not panic, the majority of swelling will disappear in the first week.
- Obvious bruises and much of the swelling subside in 2 – 3 weeks generally. Your result is best at 6 – 8 weeks, but you can usually return to work in 2 – 3 weeks.
- If you have persistent bruising, make-up will cover this until it subsides.
- Internal bruising and swelling may take 6 – 8 weeks to heal. In most cases, this is only obvious to the patient.
- No alcohol for two weeks, if possible, as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.
Pain And Medications
- Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
- Soreness and headaches are normal for 1 – 2 weeks. Pain is unusual and should not persist for longer than 1 – 2 weeks and, if it does, pain killers should be prescribed.
- For pain, take Panadeine Forte, one to two tablets every four to six hours (not more than eight per day). This will be prescribed by the Anaesthetist after surgery.
- No driving or operating machinery after an anaesthetic or while on medications for pain.
- Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or immediately after surgery.
- Do not take Aspirin, Vitamin E, Anti-inflammatory medication or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
- Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.
- No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery.
Wound Care
- Do not get surgical area wet until instructed by the post-operative nurse. You may bath until you are given instructions to shower.
- Cleanse all stitches and staples with normal saline using cotton buds or gauze. Pat dry thoroughly.
- Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment to staples and stitches.
- Apply moisturiser to the rest of the skin but away from staples and stitches.
- Add padding as necessary, using a few pieces of gauze, especially over the ears.
- Your ears may be tender and wearing of glasses may be difficult.
- A face form mask must be worn as often as possible, preferably night and day, for the first two weeks. Then, when at home, for four to six weeks.
- Stitches will be removed from the chin and ears in 7 – 10 days. Staples will be removed within 14 days.
- Only apply eye drops or eye ointment to the eyes if prescribed by the doctor.
Diet
- A light diet is best, not too rich, on the night after surgery, to avoid vomiting after anaesthetics.
- No chewing of hard foods or tough foods for the first week after surgery.
- You are to stay on a light diet. Failure to follow this rule may cause severe swelling, haematoma (collection of blood under the skin) and/or breakage of the deep stitches of the face.
- Do not gain or lose more than 5 lb (approximately 2.5 kgs) if possible or your result may be adversely affected. If this is essential, lose weight before surgery.
Activity
- During the first 48 hours, bed rest is recommended and is the most convenient position to apply ice compresses.
- During the first five days after surgery, it is most important not to engage in any activity which will elevate the blood pressure and swelling, and possibly produce bruising under the skin and may cause bleeding.
- During the first five days, you should restrict your normal activities, no housework and no physical labour. Following the first office visit, you will be given further instructions regarding your activity level.
- No heavy exercise or aerobics of any kind for six weeks.
- No driving for two weeks in order to avoid neck movements.
- Walking is permitted, as tolerable.
- Exercise will increase swelling and bruising.
- No flying for two weeks unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Hair And Make-Up
- Once informed you are able to wash your hair, use non-medicated or non-perfumed shampoo. If you have had laser treatment or a chemical peel on your face, use a baby shampoo in order to prevent stinging.
- Do not colour, streak or perm your hair until your doctor gives permission (usually after 6 weeks).
- Do not use hair rollers or straighteners or hair dryers for three weeks.
- Generally, make-up should be applied three days after the last of the stitches have been removed.
- Men will usually wait until the 6th week after surgery to have their hair re-styled.
- If bruising or redness persists, camouflage make-up is available from the rooms. Please call the Clinic for advice.
- Temporary hair loss along incision lines can occur. The hair usually grows back normally in a few months.
One Week To A Few Months After Surgery
- Do not use contact lenses until swelling has resolved.
- Intermittent blurring of vision and other minor discomfort may occur during the first month.
- Numbness in various areas of the face, neck, ears etc. is common and may persist for weeks, months or even up to a year, but almost always subsides. With the passing of each week, this symptom improves.
- Occasionally, numbness has been reported to be permanent, but this is rare.
- Do not lie directly on the face or side for one month; otherwise swelling will persist longer.
- The face and neck may feel rigid or tight during this time, especially in the neck or cheek areas. This will ease with the course of time. This is usually not obvious to others.
- Avoid sun exposure for two months as it causes swelling and redness. After that, use sun blocks (Factor 15+) and sunglasses.
- Vitamin E oil and make-up can be applied to reduce the scars in front of your ears, after incision lines are well-healed.
- You can usually go to work in 2 – 3 weeks, but you may need to alter your hair style and wear make-up to cover bruises.
- Expect not to look your best for one to two months following surgery.
You can expect:
- Moderate discomfort and pain.
- Moderate swelling.
- Black and blue discolouration (bruising).
- Blood-shot eyes.
- Slight signs of blood on bandages.
- Tightness.
Call if you have:
- Severe pain not responding to medications.
- Marked swelling or obviously more swelling on one side than the other.
- An increase in bleeding.
- Bandages seeming too tight.
- Any other question or problem arising.
Purchase prior to surgery for dressings:
- Ice packs – or bendable gel packs.
- Antibiotic ointment will be prescribed by the surgeon and can be dispensed at the Hospital prior to discharge.
Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.
For an emergency, please call Dr Luke Stradwick on 0423 506 792 or Allamanda Hospital Emergency Department on 07-5591 9400.