Facelift

When undergoing deep plane facelift surgery, you will be administered local or general anesthesia so you will be pain-free. Post-surgery, you should expect to have mild to moderate discomfort, but Dr. Sitapara can prescribe pain medication on an individual basis. 

Dr. Sitapara would like to see you a few days after surgery to remove any drains. He will then have you return to the practice a week after surgery to remove the sutures. Beyond that, he will let you know when he would like to see you next over the next six months to a year out from surgery.

Even though you might see immediate changes right after surgery, the bruising and swelling during the first few weeks will obscure the impact. While recovery should only take about three to four weeks, most patients will require about six months to a year to see their optimal deep-plane facelift results.

Yes, you can! Our patients who have received a deep plane facelift in the Baltimore or Washington D.C. area have considered combining it with a brow lift or a lip lift. The best approach is to share these ideas for combined procedures with Dr. Sitapara during your initial consultation to gain his input.

A deep plane facelift comes with associated risks. Some of these risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Facial nerve injury with weakness
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Hair loss
• Hematoma ( collection of blood hematoma under the skin)
• Nerve injury
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Persistent pain
• Scarring

While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, if you do find yourself experiencing any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please be sure to contact us at Prime Facial Plastic Surgery immediately so that we may help.

Jigar Sitapara, MD

Prime Facial Plastic Surgery
Face/Neck Lift Pre and Post Operative Instructions

Amazon Post-Op List: https://a.co/cfYUsv8
Dr. Sitapara has curated these items to help you breeze through your recovery (please review ingredients for any allergies or contraindications):

• L-Arginine Pro – Scientifically proven to aid in healing time and pain. Consume 1 scoop per day for the week before surgery and the week after surgery.
• Vitamedica Bromelain – Studies show significant reduction in bruising. Take one pill per day for one week before surgery and the week after surgery.
• Biocorneum Silicone Scar Gel – For use one week after surgery. Do not use on eyelid incisions.
• General Gauze Sponges – Use as needed for wound care. Non-woven for comfort.
• Extra Strength Tylenol – Lay a foundation of pain control before using additional pain medications for spikes in discomfort. 500mg rapid release tablets to take every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 4000mg per day (8 tablets).
• Active Skin Repair Hypochlorous Acid Hydrogel – Apply to incisions twice daily with clean hands. Allow it to dry before applying bacitracin or other ointments. Do not apply to eye incisions.
• Refresh Eye Drops – Soothe dry or irritated eyes as needed. Refrigerate for added comfort.
• Chloroseptic Spray – To soothe any throat irritation after surgery.
• Neotectus Compression Wrap – Not necessary, but some patients enjoy the added compression and support. May be beneficial to wear at night while sleeping.
• Sleep Options – Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling and strictly on your back. Explore these options:
  • AM Aeromax Back Sleep Training Pillow – Designed to train you to sleep on your back. Place on another flat pillow to keep head elevated. Machine washable cover.
  • Cozymaker Wedge – Elevates head and neck to an optimum angle. May need to combine with an airplane neck pillow to prevent side sleeping.
  • Airplane Pillow – Hair Transplant Patients Bring with you on the day of surgery.

The following instructions apply to patients who have undergone Face/Neck Lifts. Since every patient’s surgical needs and healing process vary, we may customize these guidelines. If this is the case, you will be informed. Otherwise, we urge you to follow these instructions carefully to accelerate healing and maximize your surgical results.

Preoperative Instructions

• Avoid aspirin or NSAID medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.) for 14 days before surgery unless directed by your physician.
• Avoid alcohol for 7 days prior to surgery to support the healing process.

Postoperative Instructions

• It is essential to follow all instructions provided for your recovery. We will check your progress regularly following surgery.
• You may be up and around the day after surgery, but fatigue may persist for 2-3 days due to anesthesia and the surgical procedure.
• When changing positions or turning your head, do so carefully and deliberately for the first 7 days.
• Eat a normal diet the day after surgery. Talking and smiling in moderation are acceptable.
• Sleep with your head elevated on at least two pillows for the first 14 days to help reduce swelling. Avoid sleeping face down; sleep on your back or side.
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medications for 14 days before and after surgery, unless advised by your physician.

Pain Management and Swelling

• Mild facial and neck swelling and bruising are normal, but these vary widely between patients. Most patients appear socially acceptable within 10-14 days after surgery.
• Report any unexplained pain, facial swelling, or fever to the office immediately.
• Dr. Sitapara’s team will remove the head wrap the day after surgery. They may or may not remove any drains if present. Keep the wrap in place until your follow-up.
• If a wrap is replaced, keep it on for an additional 48 hours before removing it to shower and wash your hair.

Hair and Skin Care

• When washing your hair, be gentle around the incision lines. You may experience numbness, so avoid rubbing these areas. Allow soapy water to run over the incisions without scrubbing.
• You may shower below the neck 24 hours after surgery.
• There is no need for a supportive face or neck wrap after surgery, as Dr. Sitapara encourages incisions to breathe for optimal healing.
• Cleanse incision lines twice daily with Hypochlorous Acid Spray or 3% hydrogen peroxide using cotton or Q-tips.
• Apply bacitracin ointment to incision lines twice daily to reduce redness and prevent crusting. Do not use any other ointments unless prescribed.
• Avoid blow-drying your hair for 5 days and postpone hair coloring or permanent waves for 4 weeks.

Additional Care and Lifestyle

• Earlobe Sensitivity: You may experience numbness around your earlobes and portions of the face that were lifted. This sensation will gradually return.
• Earrings: Avoid wearing heavy or tight earrings for 6 weeks and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold.
• Sun Exposure: Limit sun exposure for the first 3 weeks after surgery to prevent prolonged swelling and skin injury. Always use sunscreen afterward.
• Makeup: You can wear makeup 72 hours after surgery, but avoid applying it directly to incision lines. Makeup can be applied to incision lines between 8-10 days or once approved by Dr. Sitapara.

Drain Management (If Applicable)

• If a drain was placed, do not manipulate it for the first 24 hours. If a drain is kept for 3-5 days, you will need to empty it daily and reattach it to suction. Watch this helpful video: YouTube Link.

Activity and Exercise

• Walking is encouraged after surgery, but avoid activities that raise your heart rate or blood pressure.
• Between 1-2 weeks after surgery, you may resume light walking. After 2 weeks, you can slowly reintroduce exercise. Avoid strenuous exercise or sports for at least 6 weeks, or until approved by Dr. Sitapara’s team.

We appreciate your trust in us and are dedicated to achieving the best results for your unique anatomy and goals. Please follow these guidelines closely for the most optimal recovery and outcome.

Click Here To Download Instructions