After facelift surgery
A few days after the surgery, there is often a feeling of tightness around the ears, and there may be swelling and bruising in the face and neck area. Tissue fluid may seep from the wounds, and absorbed blood clots may cause mild fever.
Usually, dressings are left in place to protect the wounds until the morning after the surgery. After this, the hair and face should be rinsed thoroughly with plenty of water twice a day. After rinsing, the skin should be dried with a clean towel without rubbing or stretching the skin. The wound areas and hair should be allowed to dry thoroughly before putting the support headgear back on. The backs of the ears should be carefully and gently dried with clean paper.
During the first week after the surgery, it is important to sleep on your back with your head elevated to prevent swelling. Avoid physical exertion and bending. Hanging the head downward is strictly prohibited. The support headgear should be worn day and night for a week. To manage swelling, we recommend lymphatic therapy even before the procedure.
Stitches are removed one week after the surgery. Hair should be washed with shampoo the night before. On the night before, the stitch areas should be rinsed with plenty of water for longer than usual (5-15 minutes).
After the stitches are removed, light makeup can be applied, and lymphatic therapy can be resumed. Sauna is allowed at least two weeks after the surgery, if bruises have disappeared. Bruises can be treated with Arnizen™ Cream Gel.
Swelling typically subsides completely after about a month, and the skin may be numb for 1–2 months. Skin cleansing can begin three months after the surgery.
Use sunscreen providing complete sun protection on the scar areas for about six months (e.g., Lamelat™ Serum SPF 50).
A follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon is scheduled approximately three months after the surgery.
Contact the clinic if:
- unexpected pain occurs in the wound
- the wound continues to bleed, swell, or feel warm
- fever rises above 38 degrees Celsius
