Post-operative Care

All external incision should be cleansed with peroxide on a Q-Tip and a light layer of Vaseline applied four times per day.   Patients can expect bruising and swelling of the face, especially if combined with an eyelid procedure.   The discoloration will be most noticeable on the second and third days, and diminishes anywhere from one to six weeks after surgery, depending on ancillary procedures performed at the same sitting.   Most patients who only have a midface lift, with perhaps light makeup, can resume everyday tasks approximately three to four days after surgery.     Bruising and distortion will be minimal with a thread lift of the neck, and many patients can return to work or their normal social routines within a few days.

You may shower by the second or third day. You may begin walking as soon as you feel able, but all lifting, straining and other vigorous activity is to be avoided until all bruises have faded. The best rule of thumb is to avoid any activity that causes you discomfort and to enjoy those that do not.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised to discover the relatively mild degree of post-operative discomfort. Patients are requested to call the office if the discomfort is not readily quelled by the pain pills, or if significant bleeding appears around the incisions.  The external sutures will be removed four to ten days post-operatively.