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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY

POST-OPERATIVE CARE FOLLOWING

FACELIFT

Call our office promptly if:
√	You have a fever or chills
√	There is an unusual amount of bleeding
√	You have progressive bruising and increasing pain.
√	You have increase in pain which is progressive and not easily relieved with medications
√	You have an increase in pain, which is not easily controlled with oral pain medication.
If any of the above should occur after regular office hours, the on-call otolaryngologist can be reached via the University’s paging operator at 434-924-0000.
What Can I Expect?
√	A large compressive dressing will cover the face and scalp for 24 hours after surgery.
√	Pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity
√	Bruising and swelling will be present and should gradually subside over the next 10 to 14 days.
√	It is not unusual to have drainage for the first 24 hours after surgery in the surgical drains
√	Dressings are usually removed on the first post-operative visit
√	Sutures are gradually removed over several post-operative visits.
√	Numbness around the ear lobes will be present for at least 1 to 4 weeks.
√	Some numbness in the neck skin is normal for several weeks (in the neck and face especially).
√	Tightness when opening the mouth.
How Do I Care For Myself After Surgery?
√	Do not smoke for 3 to 4 weeks before and after surgery (preferably never). Smoking after surgery is similar to smoking before surgery; it slows the healing process and increases the risk of skin loss or damage.
√	Avoid strenuous activity and/or exercise for two weeks or until approved by your physician.
√	Wear elastic face support as prescribed by your physician for 2 to 4 days following surgery.
√	You can shampoo your hair about a week after surgery, using tepid water only.
√	Turn from the shoulders
√	Use care when brushing or combing your hair near the suture line for 3 weeks.
√	You will need to be seen in the office the day following surgery and the dressing will be removed.
√	Often, 1 or 2 surgical drains will be removed during this visit as well.
√	If drains have been used, follow the instructions received at the surgery center
√	Clean the incision lines twice daily with half-strength Peroxide and apply Aquaphor.
Medications After Surgery.
√	A prescription for pain medication will be given to you. Most often a drug like Tylenol with Codeine is used, which is adequate for pain control in most cases. Obviously, driving a car or any potentially dangerous activity is to be avoided because the pain medications can alter your performance.
√	Avoid taking pain medications and antibiotics at the same time as the combination may cause stomach upset. Try to cat when taking these medications to further reduce stomach irritation.