Facelifts

Please follow these instructions carefully. Your final result will depend upon how well you care for the treated areas.

Week 1 (Beginning the day after surgery):

You SHOULD:

• Clean suture lines located around the front and back of the ear with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip 6 times a day.
• Apply a small amount of Polysporin ointment to the suture lines (stitches) following cleaning.
• Clean around the surgical staples located in the hair-bearing incisions with witch hazel and a Q-tip 6 times a day.
• Shower twice a day starting on the second postoperative day. Clean the scalp with Johnson�s Baby Shampoo only. Continue to shower twice a day for one week.
• Elevate head of bed 30 to 40 degrees for two weeks to help minimize the swelling.
• Apply cold facial compresses several times a day for the first week to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Wash face with lukewarm water only.
• Wear eyeglasses if necessary.
• Wear contacts, if necessary, unless eyelid surgery was also performed, then wait 10 days.
• Wear a wig, if desired, as long as it doesn�t irritate the staples or sutures.

You SHOULD NOT:

• Apply Polysporin to the stapled incision line (staples).
• Pull ear forward while cleaning behind it.
• Use any hair sprays or conditioners for the first 2 weeks. No hair permanents for 7 weeks.
• Apply make-up to the face for the first week.
• Use a curling iron for 4 weeks.
• MEN: Shave for the first week.

Week 3: You SHOULD:

• Use a vegetable color rinse (Roux) in hair, if desired.
• Restart Retin-A use at this time, if applicable.
• Use a #15 sunscreen over healed incisions if sun exposure is expected.
   

Week 5: You SHOULD:

• Use oil-based make-up if desired.
• Resume regular physical activity.
• Start using a curling iron. Be careful not to burn areas of the scalp that may still be numb.

Week 7: You SHOULD:

• Color hair and obtain a permanent, if desired.
   

When to Call the Doctor:

• Persistent temperature elevation
• Sudden swelling or discoloration
• Hemorrhage
• Discharge from the wound edges or other evidence of infection
• Development of any drug reaction

For Questions:
Call the office at 662-327-4432.