1. You may shower after your first in-office post-operative visit as directed by a Physician Assistant or nurse. When you are clear to shower, you may begin with the following restrictions: Limit your time in the shower to five minutes, make certain the water is lukewarm. Do not use hot water. Stand in the shower with your back to the water source and back into the water.
  2. You may use cool compresses around your eyes and mouth; however, DO NOT use ice or cool compresses on the sides of your face, cheeks or neck. You should completely avoid cold temperatures on your face and neck for 3 months.
  3. Please care for your drains by stripping them every four hours while awake and drain them every 12 hours. These will be removed about 5 days post procedure in our office.
  4. It is important to lie flat while sleeping until further instructed to avoid accumulation of swelling in the chin and neck area.
  5. You do not need to cleanse or apply ointment to your incisions. Scar therapy will be addressed during your post-operative appointments at the appropriate time. Your stitches will be removed between 7-14 days post-surgery.
  6. Remember to turn your head gently and slowly. Do not make any jerky, quick or rapid movements for 3 weeks.
  7. Do not engage in strenuous activity or increase your heart rate for 3-4 weeks. Walking is OK and encouraged as long as it is at a gentle pace.
  8. It is recommended that for the first two weeks you avoid spicy and greasy foods. In addition, avoid foods that require vigorous chewing or are hot in temperature, as this can increase swelling.
  9. If you have received laser resurfacing, you should completely avoid direct sun exposure for 3 months. Thereafter, be sure to utilize a physical barrier SPF of at least 30, daily.
  10. You may expect facial swelling for roughly 8-10 weeks; keeping in mind everyone heals at a different pace. Bruising may last from 2-5 weeks.
  11. Hair Care: You may gently wash your hair (with baby shampoo until further instructed) AFTER your first post-operative appointment in the office. You should not dye your hair for at least 1 month or until further instructed.
  12. Use prescribed eye drops as follows: 1 drop in each eye three times a day (Ketorolac, Maxidex). Use the erythromycin eye ointment 2 times a day on the upper eye incisions with a sterile Q-tip.

*ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING for at least 8 weeks. It is also important not to be in a room with smokers, as smoking hinders healing and can lead to tissue death.