After surgery your head will be wrapped in a soft bulky dressing. There will be a moderate degree of discomfort and some swelling and bruising. Ice packs on the area may help reduce any puffiness or swelling. You may have some drains in situ and these will normally be removed one day after surgery. Staples and sutures will be removed within 5-7 days. There will also be some numbness in the skin in front of the ears and this may take up to 6 months to get back to normal.
Hair can be washed on the second day with incisions, sutures and staples can get wet as water, soap and shampoo trickle over them. The incisions should not be directly scrubbed or irritated. Applying Vaseline four times a day to the sutures and staples is an essential part of the healing process. Sutures that have been kept lubricated with ointment are less painful to remove.
Unless you are staying at the hospital you will be asked to see Dr Pham at his clinic 1-3 days after your surgery for a dressing change and wound inspection. You will be asked to return four to five days later for suture removal.
Vaseline, Bio-Oil or moisturiser is applied to all wounds at least 4 times a day. Bruising can be camouflaged with makeup after one week. Most of the swelling should resolve over the first 2 weeks but complete resolution may take 4 weeks.
Always protect your face from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Following surgery, our staff will tell you when it is OK to apply sunscreen, cosmetics and facial creams. Avoid unprotected prolonged sun exposure for three months following a Facelift to prevent pigmentation of incision lines