FACE AND/OR NECKLIFT - POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

NORMAL SYMPTOMS

q      Bruising and swelling are to be expected.  Discoloration generally disappears over a two to three week period.  The majority of swelling usually subsides over a two to three week period as well.  However, in some patients this may last longer and all patients will continue to see subtle changes for weeks and even months following surgery.  It is typical for more swelling or bruising to be present on one side.  It is also typical for swelling to resolve more quickly on one side.  Do not be alarmed if this is your case – you must be patient!

q      Keep ice compresses on your cheeks and neck for the first 24 hours following surgery.  Take care to keep your surgical dressings dry.

q      You will have “drains” inserted after surgery.  You and your caretaker will be shown how to handle the drains.  Please keep a written record of how much drainage is removed and when.  Please bring this record with you to your first post-operative appointment.

q      It is normal to have a tight sensation about the face, neck and ears.  This will gradually subside in the first few weeks following surgery.

q      Scars may be visible initially after surgery.  This is normal, as scars do not mature fully for six months to one year.  We may ask you to do some gentle massaging of the incision lines after the initial healing period.  Do not do this until instructed to do so.

q      Numbness of the skin is common and usually subsides within three to six months following surgery.  

SLEEPING

q      Sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for three weeks after surgery.  This will help to reduce your swelling.

BATHING

q      You may take a shower and wash your hair after all of your dressings have been removed.  Use a gentle shampoo such as baby shampoo.

q      Gently pat dry all of your incision lines.

q      You may blow dry your hair using a low hair dryer setting.

HYGIENE

q      Use Q-tips to clean external incision lines with a solution of ½ saline and ½ hydrogen peroxide to keep free of scabs and crusting.

q      After the dressings are removed, clean the drain sites with half hydrogen peroxide and half water followed by Bacitracin ointment.  This should help with some of the irritation at the drain site. 

EATING

q      Eat only soft foods. Stay on jell-o, soup or liquids the day of surgery and 2 days following.  After the third day, you can move on to soft foods avoiding as much movement to your lower jaw as possible.

APPEARANCE

q      You will have “drains” inserted after surgery.  These drains will be removed the day following surgery.

q      All of your dressings will be removed on the third day following surgery. You may wish to bring a large scarf to this postoperative appointment to cover your head on the way home.

q      Some of your sutures will be removed 1 week following surgery; remaining sutures are removed 2 weeks following surgery.

q      Do not color or perm your hair for 4-6 weeks following surgery, or until the incision lines are completely and well healed. 

ACTIVITY

q      DO NOT lift, bend or stoop for 2-3 weeks following surgery.

q      After 2 weeks, you may begin GENTLE exercise, such as walking.

DRIVING

q      Do not drive until the sutures have been removed, your blurred vision has cleared and pain medication is no longer being taken.  Someone will need to drive you to your postoperative visits.