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Facelift Patient Post-Op Instructions

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No Aspirin, Salicilates, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen for two weeks before and following surgery. Check all over-the-counter medication labels to assure medication you take does not contain the above. (Alka-Seltzer, Contact, Dristan, Midol and many others contain aspirin and other ingredients as listed above.) Tylenol is safe and may be used at any time following your surgery.

If you take prescription medications, you may resume all medication following surgery except non-steroid anti-inflammatory and blood thinning medications unless specifically directed by Dr. Lamb.

Take your pain medication as needed. If you feel you will run out and need more, call the office so this can be refilled during regular office hours. Take any prescribed antibiotics until you have finished the entire prescription. If you feel you are having a sensitivity or allergy to one of your medications, discontinue it at once and notify Dr. Lamb.

Report any nausea and vomiting to your surgeon for control. Uncontrolled vomiting may increase bruising and the risk of bleeding requiring emergency surgery for control. Take 2 Tylenol Extra Strength Gelcaps every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 8 pills in a 24 hour period. Resume taking any blood pressure medication on schedule starting the day of surgery. Medication to be avoided (provided on your pre-op instruction sheets) should not be resumed for 10 days to 2 weeks to minimize the chances of bruising and post-op bleeding.

No heavy lifting, driving, or housework. DO NOT LOWER HEAD. Stay in bed for the first two days. Sleep on your back with your head elevated at a (45 degree angle), or semi-reclined lounge chair, NO PILLOWS. Head and neck position is important! Keep your head in a neutral position and avoid any neck flexion or extension. Avoid sleeping on the side of your face the first 5-7 days as it may cause more swelling.

You may go to the bathroom with help.

Avoid numerous visitors.

Avoid drinks and food products high in salt.

Cool packs can be made of ice chips in a Ziploc sandwich bag covered in a wash cloth. Apply the cool packs to the portion of the face unsupported by your elastic dressing for 48 hours. Elastic or foam supportive dressings will be in place to lightly compress the cheeks, neck and possibly the temple/brow area for 3-5 days, possibly longer depending on swelling. Inspect the support dressings to be sure they have not shifted creating bunching of your dressing or pinching of the skin (which may be numb).

A small to moderate swelling and bloody drainage is to be expected. Call the office for any excessive bleeding or swelling.

You may expect a tight feeling in your neck for a few weeks. This will subside as your swelling resolves.

Oozing of blood from the incision adjacent to your ear may accumulate in the ear canal. If this occurs, you may use Debrox eardrops to remove dried blood, which may cause an earache. Wait until Dr. Lamb has removed your support dressings before cleaning the canals.

Most patients are able to return to work of non-strenuous jobs in 2-3 weeks. If in doubt, check with the office staff.

For the first 24-48 hours following surgery, you will have suction drains attached to bulbs in the neck. Empty these drains whenever they appear 1/3 full and record the amount of drainage and time emptied. These drains will likely be removed at your first post-op visit. At each visit, your next appointment will be made.

You may expect to shampoo your hair in the sink the third day after surgery. Use cool water and baby shampoo. A detangler may be useful. Because of the ointments used following surgery, you may not feel your hair is clean until you shampoo 2-3 times. Shampoo only once a day with no more than two latherings per shampoo.

Areas of your face, neck and scalp may be numb for a period of time following your surgery. Use caution regarding the use of curling irons, etc., which may harm the numb skin, but not be felt.

You can expect to return to driving after 7-10 days. You are suitable to drive when your neck mobility does not pose a safety hazard, you are not taking pain medications, your vision is normal and your reflexes are normal.

If at any time in the early post-op phase you develop tense swelling/bruising in your face, temple or neck notify your surgeon immediately. If you are experiencing airway problems call 911.

Specifics Regarding Your Facelift Surgery:

  • Clear pull through sutures are present behind your ears and running into the hairline. Don’t disturb these sutures coming through the skin.
  • Skin staples may be used in the temples. It is safe to shampoo these areas; however, be careful that your comb or brush does not snag on these.
  • Cleanse the outer portion of your ear canals with rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip 1-2 times per day once your surgeon has removed your support dressings.
  • You may have a shampoo/set once your sutures and staples are removed. You may have a perm or color your hair 3 weeks after surgery. Your hair may be temporarily brittle following surgery. Your beautician should be cautious with peroxides to avoid temporarily thinning your hair.

To report a problem to Dr. Lamb call 816-795-5262 (24 hrs.). To obtain refills on medication call 816-795-5262 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).