Facelift  / MACS-Lift / Mini-S Lift Post-Op Instructions:

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY? Bruising and swelling are normal and expected. Drainage of pink tinged fluid from the incision sites is normal for the first 24-48 hours. Sometimes a drain is placed beneath the skin that is removed on the first postoperative day. You should expect swelling up to 4-6 weeks after surgery. Results after the MACS-lift and Mini-S lift can be seen right away. Remember, no one’s face is totally symmetrical. Many people notice asymmetry for the first time when they scrutinize themselves after a facelift.

Activity: Daily activities may be resumed within 48 hours of surgery. Activities of daily living should be back to normal by the third postoperative day with the exception of heavy lifting and strenuous activity such as bending and exercising. You must have someone drive you home after surgery and to your first postoperative appointment. Showering may commence 48-72 hours after surgery.

MEDICATIONS: Take all of your antibiotics and your medications as prescribed.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE: Gently clean incisions with hydrogen peroxide soaked Q-tips 2-3 times a day for the first 3-4 days. Take pain medications as needed (too much pain medication can cause nausea and vomiting). You should be up and moving around on the day of surgery. You will have a compression garment on with a bandage underneath. You may see oozing and drainage from the surgical site, this is normal. If the bandage gets blood tinged, it may be changed and replaced with new gauze pads with or without removing the garment. Drainage usually stops or is minimal by the third day. Apply bacitracin ointment or triple antibiotic ointment to the incision line daily after your first postoperative visit.

Other instructions: Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin. Do not smoke or take alcohol as wound healing may be decreased and  complications may be increased.