Face Lift

After the Face Lift Procedure

The procedure itself will take about 3 to 4 hours but may take longer if other procedures are also being done.

AFTER SURGERY

It is very important not to become nauseated and/or vomit after surgery. To prevent this take Zofran as directed.
Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. Discomfort during recovery is often a sign of overexertion.
Rest and sleep in a reclined position at approximately 45 degrees. Use ice packs, bags of frozen finely broken-up peas or corn constantly for at least the first 3 days, 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. Do not put ice directly onto skin because you will have decreased sensitivity.
Dr. Cruise will remove all dressings the next day. Afterward you may shower with cool water, gently wash your hair, apply generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing. Reapply garment after shower.
You must wait one month before coloring or perming your hair.
Avoid direct exposure of incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
Do not apply any cosmetics for the first 5 days. The day after surgery start applying hydrocortisone 1% to face for 1 week twice a day.
Do not put any ointments or creams on the incision lines unless instructed by Dr. Cruise. You should start applying ScarLess® on your incisions seven days after surgery. ScarLess® is a prescription-strength cream with vitamin E, silicone and hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scars. You can purchase ScarLess® at our office.
No strenuous aerobic activity for 6 weeks after surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
Remember, face lifting is a very emotional procedure, because it involves the most visible part of your body. It is not uncommon to become very emotional or sometimes even depressed for the first 1 or 2 weeks. This will go away when the swelling goes away.
Postsurgical swelling may temporarily cause the look of unevenness, skin changes, hard spots, and ridges.
Most bruising will fade after the second week. After the first week much of the remaining discoloration can be concealed with a cream-based cosmetic.
Most stitches will dissolve within 7 days; some might need to be removed at 2 to 3 weeks.
Pink scars will eventually fade to an unnoticeable color.
Your healing incision lines may itch a little. Avoid scratching them. Apply hydrocortisone.
You may experience some numbness for up to one year. Remember not to put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.

WHEN TO CALL US

Postsurgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101 or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling or calf pain, or if you just feel that something might be wrong. The evening after surgery it is important to check to see if one side of the face is more firm and swollen than the other. This might represent a blood collection. Dr. Cruise should be informed about it immediately. Please call the office@ 949-644-4808 within regular business hours, or page Dr. Cruise after business hours @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY

Concern	Instructions

Blood Clot	It is important to walk at least every 2 hours while you're awake to prevent blood clotting. Do not overdo it. Right after surgery you will be instructed to walk around once every hour. Avoid stairs. Pay specific attention to leg swelling. If you notice swelling (even on only one leg) or calf pain, contact the office.
Fluid Collection	The evening after surgery it is important to check to see if one side of the face is more firm and swollen than the other. This might represent a blood collection.
Drain Function	Empty the drain every 8 hours or when it becomes more than half full, and write down the amount of drainage. Drains come out at about 2 to 3 days, depending on the amount of drainage.
Constipation	If you are constipated at day 2, stop taking Vicodin or Darvocet. Walk, drink a lot of fluids, and consider using a laxative (Ex-lax or Correctol).
Fever	Make sure to cough and breathe deeply, as fever is usually in the lungs for the first 3 days after surgery.
Garment Placement	You will have a big bulky dressing for the first day. You will receive a garment at your first postoperative visit. It should be worn for 10 days 24/7 and then at night for one month. Make sure that the garment doesn't irritate your skin and is not too tight on the ears.
Activity	You can take a cool shower the day after. Hold drain(s) in the shower and allow clean water to run over drain entrance into the body. Make sure you have someone helping you. Apply generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing. Reapply the garment after your shower. Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours thereafter. Sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first 5 nights. If exercise hurts, don't do it. Wait for your body to tell you what you can do. You can safely start exercising at about 6 weeks.
Wound Care	Your gauze will be changed at your followup visit. Make sure your garment is placed correctly. Keep the surgical area clean and dry at all times. Start applying ScarLess® at one week

Face Lift Cosmetic Surgery Information Resource for Southern California including Newport Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Beverly Hills.