Facelift, Necklift Pre Treatment & Post Care

*For your convenience, wrap change instructions given to you in-office are also available for online viewing on YouTube under Madnani Facial Plastics

*Some sutures will still remain after this (1 week post-op) visit. Any remaining sutures will be taken out at a separate appointment after 2 full weeks (2 week post-op).

*Placing pillows under the mattress can help ensure your back and head are elevated.
*Sleeping in a recliner can help as well.

*Getting up too suddenly can cause changes in your blood pressure, accidental falls, and changes in consciousness.

*The intensity and duration of these side effects depend on your surgical history as well as individual healing characteristics.

*Supporting your face and chin with a wrap aids healing, protects the face and ears from undue stress, and reduces the risk of post surgical complications.

*Be sure to finish your full course of antibiotics.
*Pain medication can be taken on an as-need basis.

*We recommend switching to Tylenol Extra Strength whenever possible.
*Under NO circumstance should you take any medicines containing aspirin, motrin, ibuprofen or aleve (NSAIDS). These are blood thinners and can increase the risk of complications.

*If you have a detachable shower head, it may help make showering easier.
*Avoid all baths at this time, as it can increase your exposure to bacteria and infection.

*Do not move your neck from side to side (ear to shoulder) to avoid any stress to your incisions.
*After 2 weeks, you should be able to turn your head normally.

*Pain medications and lack of movement can cause constipation. You may use OTC stool softener to relieve symptoms.

*If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area.
*Diligent sun protection and sunscreen use may lower the risk of post surgical hyperpigmentation.
*You can begin wearing a gentle physical sunscreen about 3 days after your surgery. We recommend SkinBetter or Skinceuticals (both available at our office). (note: if you are having a laser treatment do not use anything on face other than gentle cleanser, aquaphor and gentle facial moisturizer)

*However, DO let us know if you experience – significant swelling accompanied by excess bruising and pain, not controlled by pain medication, especially if symptoms appear only on one side.

*The Aquaphor will also help the gauze to stick when you apply them over your incisions.

*To do so, fold a 4×4 gauze in half, place the folded side facing towards your incisions. Be sure to cover both incisions in front & behind ears.
*Necklift patients will also need to cover the incision under the chin.

*However, any yellow/green fluid accompanied by foul odor along the incision line can indicate infection, and should be reported to our office immediately.

*Dr Madnani suggests his scargel www.purehealplus.com or you can purchase any silicone-based scar gel of your choice.

*Any surgical operation is accompanied by swelling around the surrounding tissue. This is NORMAL and to be expected. Swelling after a facelift procedure may be more pronounced around the jawline and around the ears.
*The intensity and duration of these side effects will vary from person to person and depend on the nature of your surgical procedure, as well as individual healing characteristics.
*Do not be alarmed if swelling gets worse in the first few days after your surgery. Swelling tends to get worse (3-5 days after), before it gets better. By the end of the first week, most of the swelling has already occurred and will begin to slowly subside.

*It is normal to have varying amounts of discoloration about the face. The degree of bruising also depends on the nature of your surgical procedure and individual vasculature and healing characteristics. Like swelling, bruising may be more pronounced around the neck, after the first day or so.
*Bruising will gradually resolve over the next few weeks. Depending on your healing, you should be able to wear cover-up over bruising by the end of the first week.

*Drainage is normal from behind the ears the first few days after the procedure.
*If you notice bright red drainage coming through the bandages, go to bed, elevate your head, apply ice compresses to your face and neck and call the office. We will give you further instructions when you call.

*It is not uncommon to feel that your temperature has increased after surgery; however, it should not persist. For the most accurate reading, please measure your temperature by mouth.
*Report any persistent temperature above 100 degrees to the office.

*It is not unusual to feel weak, break out in “cold sweats”, or feel dizzy after undergoing an operation. This is a common side effect for any patient who has received anesthetic. These symptoms should resolve on their own after a few days without medication. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during this time, as this will help to flush out any anesthetic that has been injected.

*It is possible to go through a period of mild depression after cosmetic surgery. All surgery, even elective surgery, consists of tissue injury. Any type of tissue injury causes stress to the body and results in the release of varying levels of stress hormones, e.g. cortisol.
*We understand that postoperative stress, swelling, and bruising can be disappointing, but staying optimistic and realistic will greatly impact your health, immune system, and overall healing. Please try to be patient. Bruising and swelling are normal healing pathways and will eventually subside. Soon you will see the results you’ve been waiting for!

*Immediately following a Facelift/Necklift surgery, parts of your face, neck, and ears may feel numb. Numbness may last for several months.
*Some patients also report a “tingling” sensation as your nerves grow back. Numbness is temporary, and should gradually improve over the next few months.
*You may feel tightness of the skin on your face that can interfere with your smile. This will improve over the next few weeks as the swelling and surgical site settles.

*Pus-like drainage
*Increasing redness to incisions
*Increased warmth at the treated area
*Fever 100.5 F or greater
*Sever pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers

*Eye glasses can be worn as soon as bandages are removed. Please make sure not to put the earpiece/temple piece over your ears to avoid stress/injury to your incisions. We recommend patients tuck the earpiece into their bandage.
*Contact lenses may be inserted the day after surgery.

*You can resume normal household activities as long as you are not on pain medication.
*Be sure to avoid lifting heavy objects (over 10 pounds)
*Be sure to bend at your knees, and not at your hip.

*No strenuous activity, swimming, exercises requiring excessive movements or turning the head.
*Keep a stiff face & back – Move your face & neck as little as possible after your surgery to help your underlying tissue heal faster.
*Avoid excessive smiling or exaggerated expressions of the face
*Do not bend your head forward or backward for two weeks.
*Avoid gum and foods that are hard to chew.
*Avoid yawning with your mouth opened widely for at least one week.
*Turn your head with your neck and shoulders as one unit. For two weeks, move your head as though you had a crick in your neck.

*Avoid extreme physical activity including athletic activities and intercourse. You may resume light walking three days after surgery. Aerobic exercise, weight training, heavy lifting, and straining may be gradually resumed three weeks after surgery.

*Do not drive a car for at least 1 week after surgery, or any time you are taking pain medication. In the case you are in a situation where you are required to turn your head, doing so will be difficult and even dangerous to yourself and others.

*This often depends on the amount of physical activity & public contact your job involves in addition to individual healing characteristics. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous job activities after 2 weeks.
*Returning to social activities greatly depends on your comfort level with your post surgical appearance. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities after 2 weeks.
*InitialA healing from surgery takes about 2 weeks on average. Any residual bruising and swelling can be camouflaged with makeup/cover-up, a new hairstyle, accessories. Your post-surgical appearance will only continue to improve over time as the months go by. Full healing from any surgery can take anywhere from 6-12 months.

*For your convenience, wrap change instructions given to you in-office are also available for online viewing on YouTube under Madnani Facial Plastics

*Some sutures will still remain after this (1 week post-op) visit. Any remaining sutures will be taken out at a separate appointment after 2 full weeks (2 week post-op).