Face & Neck Lift

Postoperative Instructions for Facelift and Neck Lift

General Overview

Facelift and neck lift procedures aim to rejuvenate the face and neck by tightening muscles, removing excess skin, and enhancing contours. Following these postoperative instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Activity Guidelines

    1.    Sleeping Position:

    •    Sleep with two pillows or in a recliner for the first 48–72 hours to reduce swelling.

    •    After this period, you may lay flat but avoid bending your neck.

    2.    Avoid Prolonged Neck Bending:

    •    Do not fall asleep with your neck bent over, as this could cause skin folds and compromise blood supply.

    3.    Avoid Straining:

    •    Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, such as bending over, straining, or stressful situations.

    •    Monitor your blood pressure routinely with a home cuff, and ensure your blood pressure medication is taken as prescribed.

Diet and Hydration

    1.    Hydration:

    •    Drink water slowly to stay hydrated and prevent nausea.

    •    Include electrolyte drinks like Gatorade to maintain hydration.

    2.    Diet:

    •    Stick to soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing, especially if you had an endoscopic brow lift at the same time.

    •    Avoid chewy foods that require wide mouth movements.

Medications

    1.    Antibiotics:

    •    Keflex 500 mg: Take every 6 hours for one week (if no allergies).

    •    Clindamycin 300 mg: Take every 8 hours for 7–14 days if allergic to penicillin.

    •    If You Have Drains: Continue taking antibiotics until the drains are removed.

    2.    Pain Relief:

    •    Use over-the-counter Tylenol (do not exceed 2000 mg in 24 hours).

    •    Narcotics are rarely needed but are provided for severe pain.

    3.    Blood Pressure:

    •    Take your prescribed blood pressure medications as directed. Notify us if you experience issues managing blood pressure.

Dressing and Incision Care

    1.    Head Wrap:

    •    A head wrap may be provided to secure dressings over the incisions. Ensure it remains snug but not overly tight.

    2.    Ointment Application:

    •    Caregivers will receive instructions on applying ointment to the incisions as needed.

    3.    Incisions:

    •    Keep incisions dry for the first 1–2 weeks. Avoid scrubbing them during showers.

    4.    Showering:

    •    Use antibacterial soap during showers. After two weeks, switch to a mild baby shampoo for hair washing.

    5.    Laser Resurfacing:

    •    If combined with laser resurfacing, follow specific instructions, including:

    •    Washing the area with a gentle cleanser every three hours the day after the procedure.

    •    Applying Aquaphor ointment and transitioning to Cetaphil lotion as directed.

    •    Avoid makeup or home products unless advised by our team.

Sutures and Staples

    1.    Removal Timeline:

    •    Sutures or staples will begin to be removed around day five. Most dissolvable sutures will be gone within two weeks.

    2.    Dissolvable Sutures:

    •    The majority of sutures are dissolvable and will naturally fall away as healing progresses.

Signs of Complications

Contact us immediately if you experience:

    •    Sudden swelling or increased pain on one side of the face or neck.

    •    Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

    •    Signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, or foul-smelling drainage).

    •    Unusual changes in sensation or unexpected discomfort.

In emergencies, call 911 if you cannot reach Dr. Farzaneh directly.

Activity Restrictions

    1.    Physical Activity:

    •    Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.

    •    Avoid wide mouth movements, such as chewing excessively chewy foods.

    2.    Smoking:

    •    Refrain from smoking for 2 months before and 1 month after surgery to prevent complications and delayed healing.

Contact Information

    •    Dr. Babak Farzaneh

    •    Direct Communication: Call or text Dr. Farzaneh directly on his cell phone.

    •    Virtual Assistance: Utilize Dr. Farzaneh’s virtual clone on our website for immediate answers.

We’re Here for You

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns during your recovery. Thank you for choosing TrueCare Cosmetic Surgery & Med Spa.