After Facelift

1. You will need to apply cold, clean compresses.  Fill a thin plastic bag with ice, then wrap it in a dry cloth, apply 4-5 times during the course of a day for 20 minutes.  This will help in minimizing swelling.  Most bruising and swelling is felt on day 2 or 3.
2. Sleep with your head elevated for 3 weeks post operatively.
3. Sutures (stitches) are generally removed on day 6 or 7.  You should keep the suture area dry and apply Bacitracin ointment daily.
4. Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 weeks.
5. Typically, the pain lasts about 2 days; take your prescribed medicine as directed.  If the pain increases, promptly call our office.
6. Be careful when brushing or combing your hair.
7. Do not wash or rub your face until Dr. Ford says it is okay.
8. Do not wear make-up until permitted.
9. You may feel a tightness around your face and neck for a few days.
10. You may experience some numbness around the ear lobes and neck for several weeks which will reduce gradually.
11. Keep your jaw bra on for 24 hours.
12. Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may cause your reaction to alcohol to be dangerous.