Facelift Surgery Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FACELIFT SURGERY
1: To prepare for your facelift surgery, you should have all your prescriptions filled before your surgery including Extra Strength Tylenol. Facelift does not involve much pain, and you will not require much pain medication. You may switch over to Tylenol when you no longer need the prescription pain medications.
2: Have ready 10 capsules Colace 100 mg (stool softener- found over the counter) and begin taking them day before your facelift surgery. You need to take 2 per day until bowel movement. This is to prevent you from straining after your surgery which causes pressure in the face.
3: You can shower or bathe the night before or in the morning of your tummy tuck surgery. Your should not wear deodorant, makeup, jewelry or contact lenses the morning of surgery. Your need to remove any metal piercings (earrings, bully button rings, etc.) before coming to Dr. Diehl's office. You may replace them (except for the bellybutton rings) when you get home. It is a good idea to wear dark, comfortable clothing (gym attire is appropriate) and flat, comfortable shoes. Shirts that button or zip in front is preferable to shirts you have to pull over your head.
4: It is very important that you do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum or candy) after midnight before your facelift surgery. You may brush your teeth and rinse with water and/or mouthwash.
5: You may not drive home after surgery. You must have a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you the night of your facelift surgery. You may not leave the office unescorted. You may not travel by public transportation (bus, train or taxi) and bring a pillow and a blanket for your comfort during your ride home.
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER FACELIFT SURGERY
1: Remembering that your facelift surgery was done after you not eating or drinking since the night before, you should eat a light snack after your surgery. It is much more important to drink fluids (water, Gatorade, V-8, apple juice) if you are having trouble eating solids. Jell-O, chicken broth and toast are good starters.
2: If you have not urinated within six hours of your facelift surgery call Dr. Diehl's office.
3: Facelift surgery is not very painful; mild soreness will be experienced. Prescription pain medications frequently cause nausea as a side effect. If so, cut back on them and try Extra Strength Tylenol alone, every 6 hours, or you can call Dr. Diehl so that he can change your prescription pain medication to an alternate- remember, people react differently to the various pain medications.
4: You must get up and walk around the house a few times a day to keep up circulation in your legs. You should not bend over to lift things or do anything that may raise pressure in your face. You should not strain your face and neck after your facelift surgery: no excessive talking, laughing, coughing, sneezing or pushing when having a bowel movement. If you are experiencing constipation, take Colace, over the counter stool softener. After facelift surgery you must plan for complete rest for 5 days.
5: Facelift surgery can give you some temporary numbness, swelling and bruising in the surgical area which is a normal part of the recovery process. It is important that you do not apply heat or ice to the area.
6: For the next 24 hours after your facelift surgery: do not drink alcoholic beverages, do not make important decisions or sign any legal documents. Do not operate any mechanical or electrical equipment.
7: Take your medications as prescribed.
8: Dr. Diehl's office will give you an appointment for your follow up in a few days after your facelift.
9: if you have any questions regarding your facelift surgery call Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, located in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, Long Island, at 631-476-7300.
To schedule a free consultation please call 631-476-7300
