Are You A Candidate for a Facelift

pain free due to the long-acting local anesthetic used. You may drink clear liquids, but avoid solid food as it may induce nausea. Take your medications as prescribed. It is important that you maintain your head elevated while lying in bed in order to minimize swelling. This is best done by placing 3-4 pillows under your back to sit up in bed. You must avoid flexing your neck for prolonged periods as this may jeopardize the skin on your neck. More than one pillow under your head is to be avoided, unless elevating your back simultaneously. Do not turn your head from side to side as this may disturb your neck recontouring procedure. Our office staff will be contacting you daily over the first week to address all of your concerns.

The first day after surgery is typically the most difficult. You should begin to walk around the house with assistance, and resume a regular diet. Continue to avoid large bites and foods which require strenuous chewing such as apples or steak. Let your face “set in place” by resting your facial muscles and avoid extreme facial expressions including prolonged conversations and laughter. Cold packs applied to your face will help reduce any bruising and swelling which may result. You may take a sponge bath with assistance, but keep your head clean and dry for 48 hours after surgery.

During the first week after surgery, you should walk around increasingly more. Do not lie in bed for prolonged periods as it may interfere with your nightly sleep while increasing your risk for complications. On the second day after surgery, your bandages will be removed and you may enjoy a shower. Switch from cold packs to warm on the third day after surgery in order to reduce any swelling or bruising. Your sutures will be removed at approximately 5 days after surgery. Over the next 6 to 8 weeks, you will experience 80% recovery from your surgery.

Pages: 1 2