Post Operative Instructions for Facelift Patients

Following your discharge from hospital it is ideal to have as quiet a week as possible without too  many visits and with little exertion.  Ideally, sleep with an extra pillow or two to keep the head and neck significantly elevated.  This helps reduce post-operative swelling.  You will notice that if you slip down to sleep on one side, that side will be more swollen in the morning. 

Please try and wear the neck support for as prolonged a period as possible.  This helps reduce the tension on the wounds and helps reduce swelling.  Arnica, if started pre-operatively, should be continued.  Any sudden and rapid change in your situation should be reported to the hospital.  You will already have an appointment for removal of sutures in front of the war and under the chin a week following your operation if appropriate.  If this arrangement is not in place, please telephone my secretary on 01752 707345.

Washing hair is acceptable as long as this is not too frequent and as long as simple shampoos are used.  Please be very gentle with a hair dryer.  Make up should be avoided during the first week, as should any strenuous exercise.  Smoking, or living in a smoky atmosphere will impair the result and may lead to significant complications.

If you have any further queries please contact either the ward or the secretary.