POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS: NECKLIFT

The folling instructions and information are provided to help you through thte recovery process. Please review these carefully before your surgery and call our office at (865) 218-6210 should you have any questions before of after your surgery.

Discharge Instructions:

Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after your surgery.
Do not smoke for 24 hours after surgery.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery or while taking prescribed narcotic medications.
Resume a regular diet and activity as tolerated.
Take prescribed medications as directed by Dr. Lucas.
Use cool gel packs or frozen peas to neck for 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.
Empty drains and record output as instructed until first post-surgery appointment.
Post-op appointment will be the day following surgery.
Elevate head of bed 30 degrees until swelling subsides.
Bathe, keeping bandages dry and intact.
Cleanse face and neck using a warm washcloth and wiping gently around incision areas.
Leave bandages in place until your post-op appointment.
Sutures are usually removed between five and seven days after surgery.
After bandages are removed, a facial garment is provided. This should be worn continuously for approximately two weeks to help reduce swelling.
Shower and wash hair after your first post-op appointment; a hair dryer with no heat may be used.
Do not submerge face and neck in water for approximately six weeks.
Avoid strenuous exercise six weeks, i.e., heavy lifting, running.

What to Expect after Surgery:

You may experience one or more of the following for up to six weeks after your surery:

  • Swelling of face, ears and chin
  • Numbness of face, ears, and chin
  • Bruising
  • Skin tightness
  • Minimal to moderate pain controlled by prescribed abalgesic
  • Low-grade fever

If you experience any of the following, call our office at (865) 218-6210:

  • Excessive swelling
  • Extreme redness or drainage around incisions
  • Severe pain not controlled by prescribed analgesic
  • Excessive bleeding (blood soaked dressings or increasing amounts of bright red blood in drains)
  • Fever greater that 101.5
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
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