Facelift Instructions

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



1. What to AVOID 2 weeks Before Surgery:


  • Smoking
  • Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr Alghonaim 
  • MUST discontinue Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen, 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
  • Fucidin ointment
  • Vitamin C – Patients may take up to 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  • Prescriptions of antibiotics and pain. Provided by the hospital on the day of your surgery 
  • Ice packs
  • Patients must have a ride arranged and confirmed.
  • Recommended: Arnica, a herbal Supplement to help minimize bruising and swelling. To be taken following your surgery.


3. What you Need to Know:



  • Standard post-operative swelling may last for up to 4 weeks.
  • You may experience pain during the recovery process. Take Tylenol for pain.
  • Often patients experience heightened anxiety around the surgical period. This is normal.
  • You may have a sore throat after surgery. This is due to the intubation. Drink lots of fluids. You may also try honey, lozenges, etc. for relief.


POST- OPERATIVE

4. Cleaning Instructions:



  • Do not wet incisions for 72hours. Keep the 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.
  • After cleaning, apply a thin layer of Fucidin ointment along incisions. Repeat after every cleaning.


5. What you Need To Know:



  • Keep tensor bandage 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.
  • Take antibiotics as prescribed and begin taking Sinecch Arnica..
  • 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 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.


6. 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.


7. 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, for one month especially throughout the recovery period as smoking may prolong the healing
  • Naturopathic or herbal medications, 
  • Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen, 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.