Advice Following Facelift Surgery

Immediately After Surgery

You will wake up with a helmet dressing on your head and you may have some drains/tubes inserted in the back of this dressing. These are usually removed the next day.
Also, your vision is likely to be blurred because of an ophthalmic ointment in the eyes and swelling from the surgery.
Expect to feel tired for 7 - 10 days after surgery, especially after general anaesthetic.
Ensure you get adequate rest in order not to increase your blood pressure, to prevent bleeding and to decrease swelling and bruising.

Rest quietly in bed with your head raised on 2 to 3 pillows.
Do not sleep on your side or stomach for 6 weeks following facelift surgery to avoid swelling and bruising persisting longer.

Keep ice compresses on the eyelids periodically for 48 hours.
Intermittently ice may be applied for a week after surgery for comfort. After eyelid and facial surgery, it is not uncommon for the eyelids to become swollen.
External bruises and swelling usually will subside in 2 to 3 weeks. If you have persistent bruising, make up will cover this until it subsides.
Internal bruising and swelling may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. In most cases, this is only obvious to the patient.
No alcohol for 2 weeks if possible (or in moderation) as it increases swelling.

Stay in the company of a responsible adult.
For pain, take your prescribed analgesics.
Take antibiotics as prescribed and apply ointment as instructed.
Do not make any legal decisions or operate any machinery while under the influence of medications or after an anaesthetic.
Do not take Aspirin or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least 2 weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
No smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Do not drive while taking strong analgesics for discomfort or pain.
Continue the Arnica tablets for another 7 days.

Shower as normal after 3 days, cleanse skin as recommended.
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 moisturizer to the rest of the skin but away from staples and stitches.
Padding as necessary, using a few pieces of gauze, especially over the ears.
Stitches will be removed from the eyes in 5 to 7 days and from the chin and ears in 7 to 10 days. Staples will be removed in 14 days.

Intermittent blurring of vision and other minor discomfort may occur during the first month.
Numbness in various areas of the face, neck and ears etc is common and may persist for weeks, months or even up to a year.
Occasionally, numbness has been reported to be permanent, but this is rare.
The face and neck may feel rigid or tight during this time, especially in the neck and cheek areas. This will ease with the course of time, this is usually not obvious to others.
Avoid direct sun exposure for 6 to 8 weeks as this may cause swelling and increase the redness of the scars.
Vitamin E oil can be applied and massaged firmly to reduce the prominence of the scars in front of your ears after incision lines are well healed.
Makeup can be applied after 5 days.
You can usually return to work in 2 to 3 weeks.

Should you have any problems or concerns following your surgery, please contact the Wentworth Clinic on: 01202 428773 or 01202 422171.