Facelift Post-Procedure Instructions in Bellevue & Seattle

Follow these detailed post-procedure instructions to support proper healing and achieve the best possible results from your facelift.

Dr. Young

Post-Procedure Instructions for Your Facelift

Congratulations on completing your facelift procedure. Below is a list of instructions designed to guide you through your recovery. If you have any questions—especially if you think there may be an emergency—please call 425-990-3223.Please plan to come in the day after surgery for your post-operative appointment. For your privacy, we provide a back entrance for follow-up visits. There is a doorbell at this entrance—please ring upon arrival, and we will greet you. We ask that you use this entrance for all follow-up appointments during the first month after your procedure.

Supplies You Will Need

White vinegar
Distilled water
Q-tips
Vaseline
4 x 4 inch gauze
Silicone scar healing gel
3–4 inch ace bandage (two recommended)

If needed, you may use an ace bandage and frozen peas as a substitute for specialized compression and icing. You can also visit our Patient Care page for recommended products.

General Care Instructions

Keep the original wrap in place until your first post-op visit the next day.
After your visit, begin cleaning your incisions at least 2–3 times daily to prevent scabbing.
Rewrap your face with Ace bandages and gauze after cleaning.
Wear the wrap continuously for the first week (24 hours/day).
After one week, continue wrapping at night for two months.
You may begin using commercial compression garments after the first week.

Drain Care

Drains are typically removed when output is less than 15–30 cc in a 24-hour period.
Most drains are removed within 1–4 days after surgery.
Keep the drain bulb compressed to maintain suction.
Please schedule drain removal within 3–4 days unless otherwise directed.
Check and empty each drain every 6–8 hours, recording output in milliliters (ml).

Schedule A Consultation

Cleaning Your Incisions

Clean incisions 2–3 times daily (or more if needed) using a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3–4 parts distilled water.
Keep a light layer of Vaseline on incisions for 10–14 days to promote healing.
After two weeks, you may use silicone scar gel (12 hours on / 12 hours off for 3 months).
When silicone gel is not in use during the day, apply SPF 45+ sunscreen to healed incisions.

Helpful Tips

Food & Hydration

Avoid hot (temperature) and spicy foods for 2 weeks.
Drink plenty of fluids—urine should remain light yellow.
Eat light meals to help with medication tolerance and reduce nausea.

Medications

Begin nausea medication as soon as possible after surgery, followed by pain medication 30 minutes later.
Do not exceed 12 Percocet tablets (5/325) in 24 hours.
Do not exceed 4 grams of Tylenol in 24 hours.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories, vitamin E, and supplements for 2 weeks before and after surgery.
Take antibiotics and Clonidine (if prescribed) as directed and complete the full course.

Stitches

Some stitches are removed at 6–7 days; others at about one month.
If a stitch breaks, contact us to have it addressed promptly.

Bleeding

Mild bleeding is normal, especially within the first 24 hours.
Another period of possible bleeding is around day 7 as clots dissolve.
Be especially cautious during the first two weeks.

Swelling & Bruising

Swelling may increase over the first 3–4 days.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated (30–45 degrees).
Avoid sleeping on your sides to prevent asymmetry.
Use cool compresses (15–20 minutes per hour) for the first 7 days.
Light walking (15–20 minutes twice daily) may begin after 3 days.

Activity Restrictions

Avoid strenuous activity, bending, lifting over 5 pounds, alcohol, smoking, and heat exposure for 2 weeks.
Light walking is encouraged after the first few days.
Resume normal activity gradually after 2 weeks.
Shower after 72 hours using lukewarm water.

To avoid straining, stay hydrated and consider fiber supplements such as Metamucil or stool softeners if needed.

Sun Protection

Avoid sun exposure for 6 months.
After the first two weeks, use SPF 45+ and reapply frequently when outdoors.

Makeup

Makeup may typically be worn after 7 days, depending on healing.
Do not apply makeup over open or raw areas.
Avoid products with retinol near incisions for up to one month.

Follow-Up Appointments

First visit: the day after surgery
Second visit: 6–7 days after surgery for suture removal

Questions or Concerns

If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, please contact our office or schedule an appointment promptly. We are here to support you throughout your healing process.