Facelift
Pre-Operative Care
Immediately stop taking the following medications 2 weeks prior to your surgery date:
- Aspirin
- Plavix
- Coumadin
- Celebrex
- Fish oil/omega-3
- Herbal medication, red ginseng concentrates
- Any blood thinning medications
In case of prescribed medications, please inform the office. The prescribing doctor’s approval is required before discontinuing the medication. Please remove any metallic jewelry (earrings, necklaces, etc) before the surgery. They may interfere with surgical equipment. Please wear a comfortable, loose buttoned-down or zipped shirt along with loose pants or long skirts on the day of your surgery. You want to be as comfortable as possible during the surgery.
You must arrange a legal guardian or caregiver who will provide you transportation after the surgery. You will not be allowed to drive after the surgery.
Please take your prescribed medications as usual (excluding blood thinning medications) on the day of your surgery. If you take blood pressure medications on a daily basis, bring extra on the day of your surgery to present to the nurse.
Before and After Photos
Post-Operative Care
Please read the following instructions carefully and thoroughly in order that you (the patient) and your care-taker are familiar with the post-operative care for face surgery.
RIGHT AFTER THE SURGERY
Dr. Kim may place dressing on the incision site. The dressing should only be removed in the office, unless ordered by Dr. Kenneth Kim. The patient must return back to see Dr. Kim one day after the surgery. Dr. Kim will examine the patient and the healing process.
SWELLING
The amount of swelling varies from person to person. The swelling may become worse 2-3 days post-surgery, and will start to subsidize after 4 days. Standing up (walking, sitting, etc) and using 2-3 pillows at bedtime will alleviate any swelling.
OINTMENT
Apply antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin) over the incisions
ANTIBIOTICS
Please finish your antibiotics as instructed. If you get diarrhea, please report to our office as soon as possible.
DIET
It is important that you drink sufficient fluids and maintain good hydration. You may eat your normal diet after your surgery. Please do not consume alcohol for 1 month after surgery. After 1 month, you may consume moderate amount of alcohol for 3 months.
BATH AND SHOWER
You may take a BODY shower 24 hours after your surgery. However, face must stay DRY for 1 week.
EXERCISE
Avoid strenuous exercise. Avoid lifting heavy objects and bending your head down for at least 1 week.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you experience chest pains or breathing problems after the surgery, please dial 911.