Facelift Post-Op Recovery Instructions

1. A bulky head and face dressing will be applied immediately after surgery. This will stay in place until the next day when it will be changed in the office. At the same time, your neck drains will be removed – for full facelifts.


2. It is important to sleep with your head up as much as possible. This will help decrease the amount of neck and face swelling that will normally occur. Sleeping in a recliner is most ideal for the first postoperative week.


3. Unless you have had other facial procedures, such as eyelids, there is no need to use cold compresses on your neck after surgery.


4. You may shower, bathe, and wash your hair after the first 24 hours. Soap and water along the incision lines pose no increased infection risk.


5. Keep a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the incisions around the ear twice a day. Don’t put on so much antibiotic ointment that it makes your hair greasy.


6. Your activity level should be what feels good. Do routine activities as tolerated. Avoid exercise, lifting, or straining to avoid increasing excessive blood flow to your face during the first 3 weeks after surgery. It is particularly important to avoid bending over until your face is well healed.


7. Your facial and neck skin will be numb for several months after surgery. As a result, avoid exposing your face to extremes of temperature such as heating pads or ice. You may easily create thermal burns to the skin.


8. Skin sutures and staples (in the hair) will be removed in 7 to 10 days in the office.


9. It is extremely important to avoid any type of nicotine products for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Nicotine reduces the blood flow to the skin and may impair or slow down healing. This includes cigarettes and cigars as well as nicotine gum and patches.


10. You may begin driving after the first postoperative week provided you are off pain medications and can see clearly.


11. If any redness or swelling occurs in the facial or neck, call Dr. Eppley and have your pharmacy number ready.

Plastic Surgery with Dr. Eppley

As a leading Indianapolis plastic surgeon, Dr. Eppley performs a wide range of cosmetic procedures that enhance the natural beauty of his many patients. His ability to transform the appearance of his Indianapolis facelift, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction and rhinoplasty patients to suit their desires has earned him an excellent reputation among his peers and community. Dr. Eppley and his team of cosmetic surgery professionals take great strides to help each patient remain safe and comfortable throughout their cosmetic surgery procedure.