FACIAL PROCEDURES BROW LIFT CHIN/CHEEK IMPLANT DERMABRASION EAR SURGERY EYELID SURGERY FACE/NECK LIFT NOSE SURGERY BODY CONTOURING ARM LIFT BUTTOCK LIFT LIPOSUCTION BODY/THIGH LIFT POST WEIGHT LOSS TUMMY TUCK BREAST SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION BREAST LIFT BREAST LIFT
W/AUGMENTATION BREAST RECONSTRUCTION MALE BREAST REDUCTION REVISIONAL SURGERY OTHER PROCEDURES BOTOX INJECTABLE FILLERS LASER RESURFACING

FACE/NECK LIFT

The Post-Operative Period
You will remain in the surgery center's recovery suites at least one night following your procedure. In the first day or so, it is best to do as little talking, chewing, or other movement of the face as possible in order to minimize swelling and reduce the risk of bleeding and/or bruising. You should maintain head elevation of at least 30 degrees from horizontal to keep the swelling down. There is usually only minimal discomfort following a facelift, and this is controlled with the pain medication that is prescribed. You will be advised to take an antibiotic for 7 days after your procedure. Patients who have undergone dermabrasion will be asked to cleanse their face around the mouth with mild soap and water several times a day and to apply ointment to this area between washings.

The dressings will be removed on the first or second day after your surgery, and the drainage tube will be taken out. On the fifth day or sixth day some of the stitches will be removed. The remaining stitches are removed about a week later.

Though you will be up and around in a couple of days, you should plan to rest as much as possible for the first week. Most people take 10 to 14 days off of work to recover. You should avoid vigorous activity, including sex, for 2 weeks after surgery (though walking and stretching are fine), avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for 4 weeks after surgery. Sun exposure should be limited for the first several months.

The face will be numb for weeks to months, and so heating pads and sun lamps are to be absolutely avoided. It can be disturbing at first to look at your new face. There is normally some distortion of your skin and a feeling of tightness, which can cause anxiety about how one will ultimately appear. These changes resolve over the first 6 weeks or so, but it is not unusual to feel self-conscious and even depressed at first. By the third to fourth week, you will look and feel much better. If bruising persists, we can offer assistance with camouflage makeup.

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