FACELIFT SURGERY

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

WHAT TO EXPECT IMMEDIATELY

* 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. This is usually removed in 2-3 days.

* 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 anaesthetics.

* Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure, to prevent bleeding and to decrease swelling and bruising.

SLEEPING

* Rest quietly in bed with head raised on 2 - 3 pillows.

* Do not sleep on your side or stomach for 6 weeks, otherwise swelling and bruising may persist longer.

BRUISING & SWELLING

* Keep ice compresses on the eyelids continuously for 48 hours.

* Intermittently ice may be applied for 1 week 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 - 3 weeks. * If you have persistent bruising, make-up will cover this until it subsides.

* Internal bruising and swelling may take 6-8 weeks to heal. In most cases, this is only obvious to the patient.

* No alcohol for 2 weeks if possible as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.

PAIN AND MEDICATIONS

* Stay in the company of a responsible adult.

* For pain, take Panadeine Forte, one to two tablets every three to four hours (no more than 8 per day).

* Do not make any legal decisions or operate 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 two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.

* Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.

* No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery.

* Do not drive while taking strong analgesics for discomfort or pain.

WOUND CARE FOR EYELIDS

* If tape is present, leave tape on your eyes until a nurse removes it.

* When tape is removed from your eyes, gently cleanse eyes twice daily or more if required with normal saline using gauze.

* Apply antibiotic ointment to the stitches twice a day for 7 days.

* Eye drops may be prescribed by the doctor, for redness or irritation of the eyes although this is not always necessary.

WOUND CARE FOR THE FACE/BROW

* Shower as normal, 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 moisturiser 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.

* A face form mask must be worn as often as possible preferably night and day for the first two weeks. Then when at home, for four to six weeks.

* Stitches will be removed from the eyes in 5 - 7 days, and from the chin and ears in 7 - 10 days. Staples will be removed within 14 days.

Please note: Lasered areas are to be treated differently if you had laserbrasion. See Laser post-op instructions or ring the nurse.

DIET

* Diet as tolerated, a light diet due to having an anaesthetic.

* No chewing of hard foods or tough foods for 2-4 weeks after surgery.

* Do not gain or lose more than 5 lbs if possible or your result may be adversely affected. If this is essential, lose weight before surgery.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

* During the first 48 hours bed rest is recommended.

* During the next 3 to 5 days, you should restrict your normal activities, no housework and no physical labour. Following the first office visit, you will be further instructed in your activity level.

* During the first 5 days after surgery, it is most important not to engage in any activity which will levate the blood pressure and possibly increase bruising, swelling and bleeding.

* No driving for 2 weeks in order to avoid neck movements.

* No strenuous exercising or aerobics of any kind for 6 weeks.

* Walking is permitted as tolerable.

* Exercise will increase swelling and bruising.

HAIR & MAKE-UP

* Shower as normal. If special tape is on the face, do not get this wet.

* Use non-medicated or perfumed shampoo. If you have had laser treatment or a chemical peel on your face, use a baby shampoo in order to prevent stinging.

* Do not colour, streak or perm your hair until your doctor gives permission, usually in about 6 weeks.

* No hair rollers for 3 weeks.

* Generally we will allow make-up to be applied after the last of the stitches have been removed.

* If bruising or redness persists, camouflage make up is available from the rooms. Please call the office for advice.

* Temporary hair loss along incision lines can occur. The hair usually grows back normally in a few months.

ONE WEEK TO A FEW MONTHS AFTER SURGERY

* Do not use contact lens until swelling has resolved.

* Intermittent blurring of vision and other minor discomfort may occur during the first month.

* Numbness in various areas of the face, neck, 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 also, 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 6-8 weeks as this may cause swelling and increase the redness of the scars.

* Vitamin E oil and make-up can be applied to reduce the scars in front of your ears after incision lines are well healed.

* You can usually go to work in 2-3 weeks but you may need to alter your hair style and wear make- up to cover bruises.

YOU CAN EXPECT

* Moderate discomfort and pain.
* Moderate swelling.
* Black and blue discoloured bruising.
* Blood shot eyes.
* Slight signs of blood on bandages.

CALL IF YOU HAVE

* Severe pain not responding to medications.
* Marked swelling or obviously more swelling on one side than the other.
* Increase in bleeding.
* If bandages seem too tight.
* Call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow up visits.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

You may purchase a post-operative pack from the rooms.

• Cotton buds.
• Gauze squares ( packet of 100) 7 cm x 5 cm approx.
• Normal Saline 0.9% - 500 ml.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036