Your comfort and safety during recovery are our highest priority. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate each stage of your healing journey with clarity and confidence. Please read it carefully and keep it close throughout your recovery — our team is always available should any questions arise.
Preparing for Your Procedure
One Week Before
- Refrain from alcohol for at least 3 days before and after surgery.
- Confirm all required laboratory work and blood tests have been completed and sent to our office. Fax: 855-506-2309.
- Fill any prescribed medications so they are ready at home before your procedure date.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, and any blood-thinning supplements unless otherwise directed. Tylenol is acceptable.
- Refrain from all nicotine and tobacco products. Nicotine impairs circulation and healing and increases anesthesia risk.
The Evening Before
- Our team will contact you to confirm your arrival time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight — this includes water, breath mints, and gum. Failure to fast may result in cancellation of your procedure, as a fasting state is required for safe sedation.
- The only exception is prescribed medication; take it with the smallest sip of water the morning of surgery as instructed.
Morning of Surgery
- Shower and shampoo thoroughly before arriving.
- Do not apply makeup, hair products, gels, or nail polish. Acrylic nails may remain.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-slip-on footwear.
- Leave all jewelry, body piercings, and valuables at home.
- If you are currently menstruating, please wear a pad rather than a tampon.
- Please make sure you have a responsible adult picking you up when surgery if completed.
Activity & the First Week
Rest & Movement
- Limit your activity sharply during the first week following surgery. Short, gentle walks around the home are encouraged from day one — movement supports healthy circulation and helps prevent blood clots in the legs. Pump your legs frequently while lying down.
- When resting or sleeping, keep your head elevated on 2–3 pillows and avoid lying on your side. Overexertion during this period can result in bleeding or prolonged swelling.
- Take slow, deep breaths often during the first 24 hours at home. This helps fully expand the base of the lungs after anesthesia.
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid all bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, straining, and aerobic activity for 3 weeks following surgery.
- You may begin to gradually return to regular exercise at 3 weeks, reaching your normal level by 5–6 weeks.
- Do not drive for at least 24 hours after surgery or while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Avoid major decisions or activities requiring clear judgment for the first 24 hours.
- Keep your emotions calm during the early recovery period — significant emotional outbursts can increase swelling and the risk of bleeding.
Incision & Drain Care
Ice & Wound Care
- Apply ice packs (lightweight, wrapped in cloth — never directly on skin) for 15–20 minutes out of each hour while awake during the first 48 hours. This is one of the most effective tools for reducing early swelling.
- Dipping gauze pads in iced water works particularly well for the face. Keep ice applications light — no heavy pressure on the face.
- Clean incision areas around your ears and under your chin gently with hydrogen peroxide, then apply bacitracin ointment twice daily.
- Your initial dressings will be removed at your first post-operative visit, the day following surgery.
Drain Care
- If surgical drains were placed, you will be instructed on how to empty and log output at your pre-operative visit. Bring your output log to every appointment.
- Drains are typically removed within 7–10 days based on fluid output.
Bathing
- You may bathe 24 hours following surgery, including gently washing your hair and face. Do not submerge your head in water.
- Avoid baths, swimming, and hot tubs for 6 weeks.
Pain, Swelling & Healing
What to Expect
- Significant pain after facelift surgery is unusual. More common is a feeling of tightness, numbness around the cheeks, ears, and under the chin, and occasional tingling as nerves recover. This is normal and typically resolves over 3–6 months.
- If you experience significant pain on only one side of the face, contact our office promptly.
- Swelling and bruising are normal and peak at approximately 48 hours post-surgery, then gradually subside over 10–14 days.
Nutrition & Oral Intake
- Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration contributes to nausea and slows recovery.
- Soft foods may be easier to eat in the early days. Avoid foods requiring much chewing.
- Take medications with a small amount of food (20 minutes before) to reduce nausea. If nausea is persistent, call us for anti-nausea medication, as vomiting can increase bleeding risk.
- Avoid alcohol during the first week, as it can raise blood pressure and trigger bleeding.
Long-Term Results & Scar Care
- Your final facelift result emerges gradually over 6 to 12 months as all swelling resolves and tissues fully settle.
- Avoid excess sun exposure to all incisions for at least 1 year. Even mild sunburn can cause prolonged swelling or irritation of healing incisions.
- Apply unscented zinc oxide SPF 30+ consistently to incision areas once fully healed.
- Do not compare your progress with that of other patients. Everyone’s healing process is unique.
- Smoking must be strictly avoided during recovery. Nicotine impairs the blood supply to healing tissues and significantly increases complication risk.
Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience Any of the Following:
- Fever above 101°F
- Pain that is not adequately relieved by prescribed medication
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site
- Bleeding that saturates your dressings
- Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or any other symptom that concerns you
When in doubt, please call. We would always rather hear from you.
