Facelift & Facial Rejuvenation Post‑Op Instructions

Post-operative instructions. Facelift. Facial rejuvenation. Before surgery, please avoid solid foods for at least 8 hours before your surgery. You may drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery. Please place the scopolamine patch behind your ear the night before surgery. This patch is preventative for nausea before surgery.

Day of surgery. On the day of your procedure, we will meet at the surgery center where you will be introduced to your care team, including your anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will review all relevant documentation to ensure a smooth and safe experience both during the anesthetic process and throughout recovery. Please arrive 1 hour prior to your scheduled surgery.

To reduce the risk of post-operative nausea and dizziness, we begin supportive care even before surgery. You will receive an IV in the pre-operative area to maintain hydration, and medications will be administered during your procedure to enhance comfort and stability. For your safety, a breathing tube or LMA will be placed during surgery. This may cause mild throat irritation afterward, which usually resolves within a few days. Chloraseptic spray or soothing Throat Coat tea can help ease the discomfort.

To further minimize discomfort after surgery, I use long-acting local anesthetics during the procedure. Most patients find that only 1 prescription pain pill is needed the night of surgery. From there, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or an ibuprofen are typically sufficient. However, stronger pain medication will be prescribed in case it is needed.

Once your surgery is complete, a nurse will notify your designated family member or friend about your procedure's completion and provide a pickup time. If the surgery takes longer than expected, please don't worry. This simply means we are taking the time necessary to achieve the most precise and lasting results. Your face is unique, and the detail-oriented work performed during your surgery is meant to last for the next 10 to 20 years.

Evening after surgery. Before your procedure, I recommend preparing a few soft, comforting meals such as soup, yogurt, or smoothies. These will be easier to eat, especially if your mouth feels tight due to swelling. Staying lightly active is also important. Gentle movement such as walking around the house helps reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and promote circulation. Unlike other recovery routines, I do not recommend icing your face. The fat used to rejuvenate your features is sensitive to cold and pressure, and we want to protect it during this early phase of healing.

During your first evening at home, please have a loved one nearby to help, as you may feel unsteady or tired. If you are normally a side or stomach sleeper, I recommend using wedge pillows or placing a pillow under your knees to make back sleeping more comfortable. Ideally, sleep flat on your back. A small neck pillow is fine if needed, but avoid sleeping on your side or in a chair where your head might fall forward. Swelling follows gravity. Keeping your head elevated relative to your face will help minimize puffiness. A deeply reclined chair can be a helpful tool to keep your head stable while resting.

Recovery. Typical downtime after a facelift is approximately 2 weeks. Fortunately, this is rarely due to pain. We use long-acting anesthetics to enhance comfort during recovery, and facial surgery itself is generally not painful. Our post-operative dressings are minimal, though some bruising and swelling are to be expected. By the 2-week mark, most patients feel comfortable enough to appear in public without drawing attention.

Please note, your surgery day is considered day zero. You may resume showering on post-operative day 2. Be mindful that hot showers can cause dizziness after surgery. If you begin to feel lightheaded, carefully step out and rest. Cardiovascular activity, anything that elevates your heart rate above 100 beats per minute, can usually be resumed after 2 weeks. Heavy lifting, anything over 10 lbs per arm, and sexual activity may be resumed after 4 weeks unless otherwise instructed.

The early recovery period is usually not the hardest part. It is the mental adjustment in the weeks that follow. You are likely someone who is active, driven, and unaccustomed to slowing down. While the first week of recovery often feels expected and manageable, the following weeks can be more emotionally challenging. Around the 1-month mark, it is common to feel frustrated. You will likely be feeling well physically, but may still notice minor swelling or asymmetries, particularly around the eyes, that no one else would see, but you will.

These small irregularities are part of the healing process and will continue to improve with time. I promise your results will settle. Your confidence will return, and you'll be thrilled with the transformation. Through it all, know that we are here to guide and support you. Your comfort, healing, and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Incision care. During the first week after surgery, you will have very fine sutures along your incisions. These will be removed during your 1-week follow-up appointment. During this period, please apply bacitracin or Neosporin antibiotic ointment to the incision areas twice daily. After the first week, you may switch to a silicone-based scar gel to support healing and minimize scarring.

When putting on or taking off your shirt, be very gentle. The earlobes are meticulously positioned during surgery, and care should be taken to avoid tugging or catching them, especially when removing clothing. Button-up shirts are highly recommended during this time to reduce this risk. Please note that your incisions will reach their maximum tensile strength approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

Skin care. In the first month, we recommend using a gentle moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. You may resume using skin care products that contain active ingredients such as retinol, hydroquinone, etc. after 1 month or as advised by your provider. You may gently wash your face with lukewarm water beginning on post-op day 2. Some areas may still be numb, so please be cautious with water temperature to avoid burns. Your hair will be washed at the time of surgery, but many patients find it refreshing to have their hair washed by a loved one on post-op day 3. If using a blow dryer, be sure it is on a cool or low heat setting.

Multimodal therapy medications. Tylenol Extra Strength, 500 mg. Take 2 every 6 hours for 5 days. Do not wait for pain. Tylenol makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed. Ibuprofen, 600 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours scheduled for 3 days. Do not wait for pain. Ibuprofen makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.

Tramadol, 50 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. If you use antidepressants, this will be exchanged for oxycodone, 5 milligrams. It is okay to wait until you have pain. Tramadol is a long-acting narcotic that will begin to work in about 30 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Oxycodone is a fast-acting, strong medication that can exacerbate nausea and/or make patients feel loopy. Zofran (ondansetron), 4 mg. Take 1 every 8 hours. The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia.

Medications for other: scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop), 1 mg. This patch is a preventative for nausea prior to surgery. You will place this patch behind your ear the night before surgery. Doxycycline or Bactrim antibiotic, 100 milligrams. Take 1 twice a day for 7 days. You will take an antibiotic for the first week after surgery.