Facelift & Necklift Post Operative Instructions in New York City and New Jersey

By Ramtin Kassir, M.D.

Facelift and neck lift surgeries are becoming increasingly popular among men and women who want to restore a youthful appearance to their face and neck. If you are planning to undergo the procedure, it’s important to be well-prepared for what to expect following the surgery. The first 24 hours post-surgery are critical for a successful recovery, and there are specific instructions you must follow to minimize swelling, discomfort, and complications. In this blog post, we will guide you through what you should expect in the first 24 hours after the facelift and neck lift surgery.

• Facial Dressing – The dressing around your head and neck is placed to provide compression and support to prevent bruising and swelling. It’s important to keep the dressing dry and clean. Dr. Kassir will remove the dressing during your first post-op appointment, which usually takes place within 24-48 hours after surgery.
• Head Elevation – To minimize swelling, it’s crucial to sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees. Use two or three pillows to keep your head elevated, and avoid sleeping on your side. It’s advisable to continue sleeping in this position for 2-4 weeks, depending on the swelling.
• Physical Activity – Although you’re free to move about the house, it’s necessary to avoid all strenuous activities, including exercising and heavy lifting. Light walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots from developing, but avoid standing for prolonged periods.
• Facial Movement – It’s advisable to minimize facial and jaw movement, including chewing, talking, laughing, and turning your head. If you must turn your head, move your shoulders and head as one unit. Restricted facial movement is necessary to promote healing and reduce swelling.
• Post-Operative Day 1 Appointment – You’ll require a responsible adult to drive you to your first office visit post-surgery. During this appointment, Dr. Kassir will remove your dressing, a few skin sutures, and check your healing progress. Don’t forget to ask any questions and clarify concerns with Dr. Kassir.
• Breathing – Taking deep breaths regularly helps to expand the base of your lungs, which prevent complications such as pneumonia, chest infections and blood clots. Practice taking deep breaths when you get home and for the first 24 hours after surgery. Medications after Facelift and Necklift Antibiotics play a crucial role in preventing infection after surgery. They should be started the night before surgery, and taken at the proper intervals for the full duration of the prescribed course. Even if you start feeling better a few days into the course, it’s important to keep taking the antibiotic until it’s finished. If you stop taking the antibiotic too soon, bacteria may still be present in your body resulting in an infection that can be difficult to treat. After surgery, you may be prescribed pain medication to manage your pain levels. It’s important to take this medication as directed to ensure that you are comfortable during the healing process. However, pain medication may also lead to constipation. Over-the-counter stool softeners can be used in conjunction with the pain medication to prevent constipation from occurring. It’s important to start taking these laxatives concurrently with the narcotic pain medication. Nausea is another common side effect that may result from taking pain medication. To alleviate this symptom, you should eat a small snack about 20 minutes before taking the medication. You should also stay hydrated by drinking small amounts of non-caffeinated beverages, such as ginger ale, Sprite, or Gatorade. There are certain medications and substances that should be avoided to minimize the risk of bleeding and poor healing. Two weeks prior to surgery, you should refrain from taking any medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. This includes common pain relievers like Advil, Motrin, and Naproxen. Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can all impede the body’s healing process, so avoiding these substances is highly recommended. NUTRITION AFTER FACELIFT & NECK LIFT

1. A light low-fat diet is best after surgery

If you are planning to undergo surgery, it’s important to start thinking about your post-surgery diet well in advance. One of the best dietary approaches in the first few days after surgery is to choose foods that are light, low-fat, and easy to digest. Soft foods like soups, broths, and smoothies are ideal since they require less chewing and can minimize swelling and discomfort. Avoid solid foods that are difficult to digest such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy products, which can cause constipation or indigestion. Nutrition is essential after surgery, but it’s important to choose foods that are easy to eat and digest if you want to make a speedy recovery.

2. Don’t forget about hydration

Staying hydrated is also critical after surgery. Your body is going to need plenty of fluids to help flush out toxins from your body, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. You should aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day after surgery, more if you are sweating excessively or experiencing diarrhea. Fruit juices, smoothies, and herbal teas can also help you stay hydrated while providing you with essential vitamins and minerals. However, avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 hours after surgery as drinking alcohol can affect your hydration levels, and it may interact with your pain medications.

3. When to resume a regular diet after surgery

While a light low-fat diet is recommended for the first few days after surgery, once you are feeling better and are no longer experiencing nausea or vomiting, you can gradually start reintroducing solid foods into your diet. However, it’s still important to avoid foods that are too spicy, fatty, or high in sugar or salt as they can hinder the healing process. If you have had surgery on your mouth or throat, you may also need to avoid foods that are too hot or cold as they can cause discomfort. Speak to your doctor or nutritionist to determine when you can start incorporating solid foods into your diet.

4. The importance of a healthy post-surgery diet

A healthy diet is vital after surgery because it helps to promote healing, reduce inflammation and swelling, and prevent infections. Avoiding certain foods and opting for a diet that is high in vitamins, fiber, and lean protein can help your body recover more quickly and reduce your chances of complications. However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that your dietary needs are being met.

5. Tips for maintaining a healthy diet after surgery

If you are worried about sticking to a healthy post-surgery diet, there are plenty of steps you can take to make it easier. For example, you can prepare your meals in advance, stay hydrated, and choose small, frequent meals to help manage your appetite. You can also speak to a nutritionist to help you develop a custom meal plan that meets your dietary needs and fits within your lifestyle. Sticking to a healthy diet after surgery may require some effort, but the benefits can be life-changing.