Post-Op Instructions for Your Cheek Lift Surgery

Post-Operative Care

1. Sleep on your back with your head elevated 30-45 degrees; use two pillows for the first 4-5 days after surgery.
   
2. Iced gauze pads should be applied to the eyes and cheek for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and discoloration.
   
3. Severe pain or swelling, especially if greater on one side, is uncommon-if you experience this notify us.
   
4. You may wash your face but keep the dressing dry.
   
5. We will see you in the office on the first postoperative day so please leave bandages on until we remove them in the office.
   
6. You may bathe the day after surgery. Avoid getting your head dressing wet
   
7. Cleanse suture lines with Hydrogen Peroxide solution (mix 1 part water and 1 part hydrogen peroxide). Dip a Q-tip in the peroxide solution and gently roll it across suture line to remove dried blood. You will need several Q-tips each time you do this.
   
8. Take a dry Q-tip and-gently roll it across the suture line to remove foam from peroxide and drainage. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as needed to remove dried blood completely.
   
9. After suture line is thoroughly cleaned, apply a very small amount of Bacitracin ointment over suture line.
   
10. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times per day. By doing this, you will minimize your risk of infection and reduce the formation of scar tissue, giving a better cosmetic result.
11. Dr. Pryor asks that you clean the incisions in this manner until all sutures are removed.  After the sutures are removed on day 5-10 you will be asked to use only Aquaphor ointment to the incisions twice daily for a further two weeks.
12. Avoid foods requiring prolonged chewing and avoid excessive facial movements for one week.
    
13. Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation of upper lip and cheeks.
    
14. Avoid extreme physical activity including athletic activities and intercourse. You may resume light walking 3 days after surgery. Aerobic exercise, weight training, heavy lifting, and straining may be gradually resumed 3 weeks after surgery.
    
15. Absolutely avoid sun exposure, sun lamps, or tanning beds for 6 weeks after surgery. Heat may cause your face to swell. Wear SPF 20 sunscreen daily beginning 2 weeks after surgery.
    
16. Don´t be concerned if the eyes, cheeks, and neck show some swelling after removal of the dressing – this usually resolves within 2 weeks. In certain patients, it may require 6 months for all swelling to completely subside.
    
17. Take only medications prescribed by your doctor.
    
18. Makeup may be used 5-7 days after surgery (except on the incisions). We will be happy to assist you in the use of cover up makeup.
    
19. DON´T TAKE CHANCES! If you are concerned about anything you consider significant, call us during office hours at 480-423-3150.