905-764-7799

Solomon Facial Plastic –
Pre-Op & Post-Op
Instructions

Medical disclaimer: This page offers general guidance and does not replace personalized instructions from your surgeon. Always follow the directions provided by your surgeon. Be sure to contact their office with any questions or concerns.

Who This Page Is For?

This resource includes surgery preparation and post-operative instructions for facial plastic surgery patients under the care of Dr. Philip Solomon at our Toronto clinic. These instructions are advised to optimize the surgical experience and outcome for SFP patients. Frequently asked questions and answers are also provided below. 

General Pre-Operative Guidelines

4 weeks before surgery

  • Medical clearance: complete any requested lab work or imaging; share results with the clinic promptly.
  • Medications: provide an up-to-date list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements; confirm which to pause or continue.
  • Smoking and nicotine: stop all nicotine products; nicotine increases the risks of bleeding and delayed healing.
  • Alcohol and recreational substances: avoid for 4 weeks prior to surgery unless otherwise cleared.
  • Illness: notify the clinic if you develop a cold, cough, fever, or skin infection.
  • Logistics: arrange a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first night.

7 – 14 days before surgery

  • Medication holds: stop blood-thinning products if advised, for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, certain supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, and garlic. Only stop or continue medications as directed by your surgeon or family doctor.
  • Prescriptions: pick up post-op medications in advance to avoid pharmacy trips after surgery.
  • Skin care: avoid harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or peels on treatment areas unless instructed.

48 to 72 hours before surgery

  • Diet and hydration: focus on balanced meals, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and adequate fluids. Limit salt to help reduce swelling. Pineapple may be helpful with reducing inflammation.
  • Home set-up: prepare a clean recovery area with extra pillows for head elevation, cold compresses, gauze, petrolatum ointment if prescribed, and easy meals.
  • Hair and beard: follow shaving or cleansing instructions for the surgical area, if applicable.

Day before and the morning of surgery

  • Fasting: follow the anesthesia fasting instructions exactly; typically nothing to eat for 8 hours before arrival, clear fluids may be allowed up to a specific cut-off time if directed.
  • Hygiene: shower and gently cleanse the face; avoid lotions, make-up, perfume, and deodorant on the day of surgery unless told otherwise.
  • Clothing: wear a front-opening top and comfortable pants; remove jewellery and leave valuables at home.
  • Contacts and dentures: bring a case for storage; you may be asked to remove them before surgery.
  • Check-in: bring government ID, health card, and a list of medications and allergies.
PRE-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL

General Post-Operative Care

First 24 hours

  • Supervision: Patients are advised to have a family member or friend present for the first 24 hours after surgery. 
  • Rest and position: Keep your head elevated on two pillows when resting or sleeping; avoid bending over or any heavy lifting.
  • Cold compresses: apply as directed to reduce swelling, taking care to keep incisions dry.
  • Medications: follow the exact dosing schedule; avoid additional over-the-counter pain relievers unless cleared.

Days 2 to 7

  • Wound care: cleanse and apply ointment only as instructed; do not remove steri-strips or dressings unless told to do so.
  • Activity: short, gentle walks are encouraged to support circulation; no strenuous exercise, no heavy lifting.
  • Hygiene: you may shower when permitted, keeping incisions protected and dry as advised.
  • Diet: continue balanced, low-sodium meals; avoid alcohol and smoking.
  • Work and social plans: remote or light desk work may resume when cleared; plan for visible swelling or bruising.

Weeks 2 to 4

  • Exercise: gradually reintroduce light to moderate activity when cleared; avoid contact sports and high-impact motion until your surgeon approves.
  • Sun protection: use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing; avoid direct sun on healing tissues.
  • Scar care: begin approved scar-care regimen, for example, silicone gel or sheets, 2 weeks post-op.

Call the clinic urgently if you notice

  • Fever over 38°C, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden severe swelling, expanding redness, foul drainage, or uncontrolled pain.
  • Any vision change or eye pain after eyelid surgery.
  • Any new asymmetry, rapidly expanding bruising, or bleeding.

Procedure-Specific Recovery Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the typical downtime?

  • When can I return to work or study?

    Patients can resume working from home or school work as early as 48 hours following surgery. Returning to work or school in-person can resume when the patient feels comfortable, between 7-10 days post-op. Facelift patients may require 14 days before returning to work.

  • What is normal swelling and bruising?

    Bruising and swelling tends to peak 48 to 72 hours after cosmetic surgery and then improves in the following days.  Mild asymmetry and firmness are quite common early on in the healing process. However we encourage patients to call the clinic for rapidly expanding swelling, severe pain, or spreading redness.

  • When can I exercise again?

    Light walking can start as early as 7 days post-op. Most patients resume gentle exercise at 2 weeks, moderate activity at 3 to 4 weeks, and higher intensity 4-6 weeks post-op with surgeon approval.

  • Can I wear makeup after surgery?

    Avoid make-up near incisions until they are sealed and cleared by the clinic. Mineral makeup may be allowed earlier on non-incision areas. We recommend waiting 4 weeks before wearing make-up.

  • How do I care for scars?

    Keep incisions clean and protected from the sun; wearing a wide rim hat and SPF sunscreen will help protect your incisions. A silicone-based scar gel can also be helpful with healing to minimize the appearance of scars.

  • What about glasses and contact lenses?

    Avoid pressure on the nasal structures after rhinoplasty until cleared. Contact lenses should be avoided after eyelid surgery and reintroduced 6 weeks post-op.

  • What if I feel unwell or develop a cold before surgery?

    Notify the clinic. Your safety takes priority; surgery may be postponed if illness increases risk especially if breathing or lung function is compromised.

How to Reach Our Solomon Facial Plastic Team

For general questions, medication refills, or wound-care guidance, contact our clinic during business hours. For urgent concerns outside of hours, use the after-hours instructions provided in your discharge package.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH SFP

In order to best assist you, we require all cosmetic patients to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation. There is a fee of $200 with imaging plus HST for all consultations. Your consultation fee will be credited towards your procedure and/or treatment. To schedule a consultation, please complete the attached form or call our office at 905-764-7799. We look forward to hearing from you.

Subscribe to our Newsletter: