Preparing for your Facelift Surgery

Contents

1. What to AVOID 2 weeks Before Surgery
2. What you Need
3. Cleaning Instructions
4. What you Need to Know
5. What to Expect
6. What to AVOID

PRE / POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any concerns or questions prior to your surgery, you are encouraged to speak to Dr. Solomon in advance to ensure you are fully prepared for your surgical date.

1. What to AVOID 2 weeks Before Surgery:

• Smoking/Vaping (Nicotine, Marijuana and CBD oil).
• Alcohol for at least 2 weeks pre-op, as it may increase bleeding and prolong swelling.
• Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr. Solomon.
• MUST discontinue Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen and all blood thinners, as these products may increase bleeding and prolong swelling.
• MUST discontinue Garlic extract, fish oils and Vitamin E, Arnica.

2. What you Need:

• Q-Tips and/or 4×4 non-woven sterile gauze.
• Hydrogen peroxide and Polysporin ointment.
• Vitamin C – Patients may take up to 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• Prescriptions of anti-biotics and pain. Provided by the hospital on the day of your surgery or by our Surgical Centre prior to your surgery at our clinic.
• Ice packs.
• Please arrive clean shaven for surgery.
• Please remove all jewellery and makeup on the day of your surgery.
• Patients must have a ride arranged and confirmed.
• Recommended: Arnica by Sinecch, an herbal supplement to help minimize bruising and swelling. To be taken following your surgery. Sold in our clinic.

3. Cleaning Instructions:

• Do not wet incisions for 48 hours. Keep surgical area dry.
• After 3 days you are encouraged to gently wipe or dab incisions with a soaked Q-Tip or 4×4 in Hydrogen peroxide (morning and night).
• This will help remove dried blood.
• Let dry for 2 minutes.
• After cleaning, apply a thin layer of Polysporin ointment along incisions. Repeat after every cleaning.

4.What you Need To Know:

• If you have surgical drains in place, Dr. Solomon or his nurse will remove them in office 24-72 hours after your surgery depending on
• drainage, this may require a few appointments. Keep track of draining fluid on your JP Drain Chart.
• You will be seen by our nurse or Dr. Solomon in our clinic, 24 hours following your surgery.
• Keep head garment on as much as possible for the first 7 days. This constant pressure will help reduce swelling.
• Sleep on two to three pillows with head elevated at least 30 degrees for the first 3 days post-op.
• Do not sleep on your face; ideally sleeping on your back is preferred for 2 weeks.
• Sutures and staples will be removed in 7-10 days. Occasionally partial sutures will be removed after 7 days and the remaining on the 10th day.
• Standard post-operative swelling may last for up to 4-6 weeks. Please be patient
• You may experience pain during the recovery process. Take Tylenol for pain.
• Please take your anti-biotic and pain medication as prescribed.
• Best to separate anti-biotic and pain medication, 2 hours apart to avoid nausea/vomiting.
• You may also begin Sinecch Arnica, sold in our clinic once you arrive home the day of your surgery.
• Bathing in a tub is allowed one day post-operatively. Please ensure someone is home with you and the bathroom door is unlocked in case you feel lightheaded and need help.
• You may shower 48 hours after your surgery, wash your hair gently with baby shampoo and conditioner.
• You may drink liquids when you arrive home. By the evening you may have a light meal. It should be a soft diet that requires no strenuous chewing.

5. What to Expect:

• Bruising is expected and normal. Bruising often takes up to 2 weeks to resolve.
• Swelling is expected and normal. Your face may look puffy, round or square during the initial recovery period. Will typically take a few weeks to smooth and slim out.
• You may experience numbness along the side of the face and jawline. This is temporary and typically resolves within a few weeks but may last a few months in some cases.

6. What to AVOID:

• Avoid picking at scabs. This can cause scarring.
• Avoid direct stream of showerhead over surgical incisions for 1 week.
• Avoid bending over or lifting heavy things for two weeks. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise your blood pressure and start haemorrhage.
• Avoid Smoking/Vaping (Nicotine, Marijuana and CBD oil), for one month especially throughout the recovery period as smoking may prolong healing.
• Alcohol for at least 2 weeks pre-op and post-operatively, as it may increase bruising and prolong swelling.
• Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr. Solomon.
• Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen and all blood thinners, as these products may prolong swelling.
• Moderate physical exercise for up to 4 weeks post-operatively.
• Strenuous physical exercise for up to 6 weeks post-operatively.
• Direct sun exposure on incisions for up to 12 months. Use a minimum of SPF 45 daily.
• Do not wear eyeglasses-/ sunglasses on the nose for 6 weeks. Glasses must be taped to forehead.
• Avoid hot saunas and hot tubs. Commercial steamers and cool mist humidifiers are recommended at the bedside for 2-4 weeks post-op.

If you experience any of the following listed below, please contact Dr. Solomon directly by email at info@solomonfacialplastic.com or call the office at 905.764.7799. If unable to reach us, please visit your nearest emergency department.

• If you develop a rash, persistent fever, chills or sweating.
• If you notice a foul odour or yellow drainage coming from the incision sites.
• If you experience severe facial or throat pain, that is not controlled with Tylenol.
• If you experience persistent bleeding that does not resolve in 20 minutes or with direct pressure.
• If you develop a large firm mass extending from the surgical area.
• Persistent vomiting and inability to drink liquids for greater than 4 hours.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs.

IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO BE REACHED, PLEASE GO TO YOUR NEAREST HOSPTIAL EMERGENCY FOR ASSESSMENT.

Please notify Dr. Philip Solomon of any unexpected admission to a hospital within 10 days of your procedure.

If you require any clarification regarding these instructions or would like to arrange a follow up appointment with the nurse, please call the office at 905.764.7799 or email us at officestaff.solomon@gmail.com