Whether you’re considering having a deep plane or mini facelift in Toronto, becoming familiar with aftercare is as essential as following the tips before surgery. Final facelift results can take months to see and require patience.
Recovery takes time. It depends on health, age, and the type of procedure. Remember, actively following your facelift surgeon’s advice will make a difference in healing time and how well your body responds.
Pre-surgery Instructions
1. Avoid blood thinning medications and supplements
One of the most important jobs a patient has is to ensure they are eating a healthy diet and ensuring they are avoiding any blood thinning medications and supplements prior to surgery. Not only can they impact post-operative healing, but they can impact the surgery
2. Create ready made meals
Before surgery, cook double batches of meals, so you have quick, nutritious food to eat. Foods rich in protein and fibre are ideal. High-fibre food will combat constipation, which is a side effect of pain medications. Also, ensure you have enough soft foods for the first few days.
Returning Home After Surgery
1. Nap when needed
Take a nap or incorporate some downtime whenever you feel tired. Allowing for enough sleep will ensure a good recovery. Also, you must keep your head in a raised position for several days after surgery. It is advisable to sleep with your head elevated with two to three pillows.
You can also rest on a recliner to elevate the head and reduce swelling. Ensure all items you may need are close by.
2. Shower hygiene advice
Most people can resume showering two to three days after surgery. However, you must follow your doctor’s advice in this area. Patients can take sponge baths as long as they have a family member nearby. Patients can keep their bodies clean using warm water, a damp washcloth, and gentle soap. Ensure you cover your surgical area and refrain from cleaning it.
You may wash your hair after your drains have been removed using a gentle baby shampoo. Facelift surgeons in Toronto may advise some patients to be extra gentle while washing hair to prevent tugging their facial skin and sutures while healing.
Some tips to follow while showering are:
- Use lukewarm water for a week after surgery: Hot water can harm your skin.
- Lower time spent in the shower: Long showers aren’t a good idea, as you can introduce infection. Shower long enough to feel refreshed and clean.
- Use gentle soap and shampoo: Best to use a gentle baby shampoo and gentle soap for the first 2 weeks following your surgery.
- Use the lowest shower setting: This eliminates causing harm to your incisions.
- Pat dry: Vigorous scrubbing may open incisions and cause problems. Gently pat dry after showering and allow yourself to air dry thoroughly before dressing.
Patients can resume bathing and showering 2-3 days after their surgery as longs as you are using gentle products.
3. Shaving tips
Be mindful of shaving because there may be facial numbness or tingling. As such, you may not feel the blade over your skin. We recommend switching to an electric razor for a few months to avoid accidental cuts until the feeling returns to your neck and face.
4. Caring for your incision
Strips of tape covering your incision should remain on for one week or until they fall off. Follow the advice of your physician on tape removal. When your doctor approves, you can wash incisions using warm water and gently pat dry the area. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which slows healing.
Avoid ointments or lotions on the incision site unless told otherwise. Also, protect your incisions from direct sun.
5. Modify your diet
We advise clients to consume soft foods a few days after their deep plane or mini facelift surgery in Toronto. You can try juice, soup, yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Ensure you consume plenty of fluid to keep your skin healthy unless advised not to by your doctor.
It is expected that you will not have regular bowel movements immediately after surgery. Do not strain your bowel movements, as this can cause hemorrhoids. Clients can take fibre supplements daily. However, if you cannot have a bowel movement after two days, ask your doctor about taking mild laxatives.
6. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding pain medication
Your doctor will advise you whether you need medicine or when to restart it. They will also instruct you on new medication. If you stopped taking blood thinners or Aspirin, your physician will let you know when to resume consumption.
Take all the medicine as instructed. If you have pain medicine, take it as the doctor prescribed. If you do not have pain medication, ask your physician for over-the-counter brands.
If you have antibiotics, take them as instructed. Continue taking them even if you feel better. They must be taken for the entire course of treatment. For adverse reactions (such as feeling sick), take the medication after meals unless advised otherwise. Consult your doctor about a different medication if it continues.
7. Avoid strenuous activities
Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise can increase swelling, bleeding, and inflammation. They slow the healing process and can prevent healing by increasing the risk of infection.
Stress on incision sites can also increase the risk of scarring and cause sutures to open. Avoiding these activities for the recommended period is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery.
Bike riding, weight lifting, jogging, and aerobic exercise are examples of strenuous activities. Most patients should avoid these activities for four weeks or until their doctor permits them.
8. Gradually resume activities
Attempt to walk a little bit each day. Physical activity will boost your mood and ensure your body heals by improving circulation. After surgery, keep all activities as low-key as possible.
9. Take time off from work
Most people require one to two weeks off from work. The duration depends on your work, how you feel, and whether you want to return before you are fully healed.
10. Consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides an effective method of expediting healing from facelift surgery. After treatment, it circulates stem cells, which are essential in repairing injured tissues.
It reduces pain, swelling, and tissue inflammation, and contains an antibacterial effect. It works well with people who have challenges with healing (smokers, diabetics, immune suppression, infected incisions).
11. Ensure you keep follow-up appointments
Go to all your follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing correctly. The healthcare staff will examine you for signs of infection or improper healing. They will also advise you on your next steps.
If you think there may be an issue, contact your facelift surgeon in Toronto. Do not wait until it becomes severe.
Book Your Appointment With Solomon Facial Plastic
Remember all the steps for a good recovery when considering a facelift in Toronto. While it may seem time-consuming, strict adherence promotes the best results.
To book your appointment with the best facelift surgeon, please contact Solomon Facial Plastic at 855-519-2799 (Thornhill) or 416-864-6100 (Davenport). You can also fill out a form here for more information.
Aug 01st 2024