Ocean Drive Full Facelift

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In Vero Beach, FL

1. Go over your suture lines 2-3 times daily with soap and water on a Q-tip around the front and the back of your ears. Apply a small amount of Bacitracin Ointment to the suture lines around the front and back of the ear.
2. The second day after surgery let warm water run over incisions while showering. If you had eyelid surgery do not be afraid to get sutures around the eyes wet when showering.
3. Report any excessive bleeding that persists after pressure for 20 minutes.
4. Report any signs of infection such as excessive swelling, redness, or drainage.
5. Under no circumstances should ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, or medications containing aspirin or salicylates or ibuprofen, be taken without first consulting us.

A facial dressing will be applied before you leave the operating room; it is to remain in place until the following morning. You should be as quiet as possible during this time; therefore, a great deal of talking and having too many visitors are discouraged. If your dressing begins to feel excessively tight or uncomfortable, please let us know. The dressing can be removed the following day after surgery unless told differently by either Dr. Durkin or the nurse. During your initial post-op appointment you will be placed in a bandeau to be worn 21 days.

There is usually little actual pain following a facial reconstruction, but you may experience a deep bruised sensation as a result of the swelling, and the face may seem heavy, this can seem worse at night and when one becomes nervous. You will receive a prescribed pain medication and it can often cause sensations of light-headedness or sleepiness, particularly in the immediate post-operative period. If you choose to not take prescribed pain medication you may take Tylenol. Under no circumstances should ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, or medications containing aspirin or salicylates or ibuprofen, be taken without first consulting us. If the pain is severe and the prescribed pain medication is not helping please do not increase the recommended dosage or supplement with your own medications. Notify our office and we will evaluate the next step in controlling your pain.

Every operation, no matter how minor, is accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissues. The amount varies from minimal to extensive. Sometimes the swelling becomes a little greater 48 hours after your operation and will gradually decrease. Swelling is generally worse when you first get up in the morning. The swelling itself is not serious and is not an indication that something is going wrong with your operation.

It may take several weeks for the swelling to diminish completely. After the swelling diminishes though, you may notice or feel some unevenness (lumpiness) under the skin; this will gradually disappear.

The main thing to remember is the swelling eventually subsides; you can help in several ways:

• STAY UP (sitting, standing, walking around) as much as possible on your first post-operative day.IMPORTANT, you should rest when you are tired.
• AVOID BENDING OVER OR LIFTING heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and you could start bleeding.
• AVOID HITTING OR BUMPING YOUR FACE, HEAD AND NECK. It is wise not to pick up small children and you should sleep alone for one week after your operation.
• SLEEP WITH THE HEAD OF THE BED ELEVATED for 1-2 weeks after your operation. To accomplish this, place two or three pillows under the head of the mattress and one or two on top of it. Try not to roll on your face; this tends to tear down the supporting stitches used under the skin of your face; therefore, it is necessary to sleep on your back for 2 weeks. Some patients find a reclining chair placed at a 45 degree angle to be more comfortable.
• Under no circumstances should ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, or medications containing aspirin or salicylates or ibuprofen, be taken without first consulting us.

Soft washcloths or the ice packs that we provide to you can be used. Some patients have even used bags of frozen peas due to the fact that they will conform to the face. If you decide to use a soft cloth, dip in water with ice chips. They may be placed in a plastic wrapper such as a baggie to avoid wetting your clothing. Apply your preferred method across the jaws and neck for twenty minutes several times daily during the first 3 days may help reduce swelling, discomfort, and discoloration.

Discoloration and bruising are normal with a facial reconstruction. Like the swelling, it may become more pronounced especially in the neck and chest area after the first day or so, but remember this is temporary. You may apply Topical Arnica Cream to discolored areas avoiding incision sites.