Facelift Surgery Precautions

01. After-Surgery Position

For 2 weeks after surgery, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach. Please sleep on your back, and keep the head more elevated than the heart.

02. Post-Surgery Diet

You may resume a normal diet, but please avoid very spicy or strongly seasoned foods.

03. Swelling Care

For the first 2–3 days after surgery, swelling and bruising will gradually worsen. From around 2–4 weeks, they will slowly subside, although this varies from person to person.

Including the day of surgery, apply cold compresses until day 3, then switch to warm compresses afterward. (Compress is provided by the clinic.)

-Cold compress: Use the cold pack after storing it in the freezer.
-Warm compress: Heat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. (Do not overheat—there is a risk of bursting.)
-Due to temporary numbness in the treated area, you may not feel heat correctly, increasing the risk of burns. Always check the temperature with your hand before applying.

About 2 weeks after surgery, the treated area may feel firm but will gradually soften.
This is a natural healing process, so please allow some time.

04. Wound Care

Sutures
Typically removed 7–10 days after surgery. (This may vary depending on the patient’s skin condition.)

Compression Band
The compression band should be worn 24 hours a day for the first 7 days.
It may be temporarily removed during meals or while brushing teeth.
After that, it is recommended to continue wearing it whenever you are at home or resting.
(Wear at least 10 hours per day for one month.)
If the compression band is too tight, it may reduce blood circulation in the area and cause pressure-related complications. Always adjust the pressure to a comfortable level.

Ointment Application on the Incision Area
Apply ointment to the incision area twice a day (morning and evening) using a cotton swab.
(Continue until the sutures are removed.)

Medical Drain and Hemostatic NetSutures
The drain and supporting sutures are removed during the hospital visit on the 3rd day after surgery.
After removal, apply antibiotic ointment (Esroban) lightly to the treated area 1–2 times a day.

MedicalDrain Tube Care
If a drain tube is inserted, proper care is required.
By scanning the QR code, you can check the detailed instructions for drain tube management.

In general, the drain tube is removed about 2–3 days after surgery, so please follow the provided instructions until then.

High Frequency massage
Total 3 sessions of high frequency massage is provided. Please schedule with clinic after stitch removal. +82 10 3476 1175

• If you notice redness or warmth at the incision area, or persistent pain, please visit the clinic.
• Do not touch the wound with your hands for 1 month. (risk of infection)

05. Sutures at the Incision Site

The blue or black sutures (such as Vicryl, PDS, etc.) placed inside the incision during surgery may become slightly visible or may protrude a little under the skin about 1 month after surgery.

This is a temporary and normal phenomenon, and these sutures will naturally dissolve inside the body within approximately 3 months, so there is no need to worry.

If the suture becomes exposed on the skin surface and you touch it or pull it, there is a risk of infection, inflammation, or wound disruption.

Do not touch or remove it yourself — please contact the clinic immediately for proper management.

06. Showering & Washing

01. When washing your face, avoid getting water on the surgical area until the stitches are removed. Gently wipe around the area only.
02. Please shower starting from below the chest until the stitches are removed.
03. Stitches can get wet after stitch removal. If they get wet, please dry with cool air.
04. When washing hair do not scrub the incision area.
05. Public pools, sauna, beach is prohibited for one month after surgery. (Risk of infection)
06. Contact lenses may be worn starting the next day.
07. Makeup can be applied after stitch removal.

07. Exercise

Normal daily activities are allowed. Light walking exercise can be resumed 1–2 weeks after surgery. Strenuous exercise is allowed after 1 month.

08. Medications

01. After you return home, please take the prescribed medications starting 30 minutes after your first meal. Take them regularly as instructed.
If you develop symptoms such as rash or allergic reaction after taking the medication, please contact the clinic.

02. Do not take aspirin or vitamin E for one week after surgery, as they may cause bleeding.

09. Alcohol & Smoking

Avoid alcohol and smoking for 1 month after surgery. It can worsen bleeding, wound healing, and infection risk.

10. Sensations & Recovery Process

01. A feeling of tightness or firmness in the skin is a normal part of recovery and will gradually improve with time. (Most noticeable around 1–2 months.)

02. The surgical area may feel firm or slightly lumpy temporarily. This will soften with time and improve naturally.

03. During surgery, tissue separation occurs during the dissection process, which may cause the skin to temporarily feel firm or palpable.
This is a normal postoperative reaction and a natural part of the tissue adhesion and healing process.

04. Temporary dimpling may occur, but this also improves after the swelling decreases. (Do not try to pull or massage the area.)

05. If you are experiencing severe headaches, you may take additional Tylenol.

06. Due to temporary nerve traction, the lower lip may feel weak or slightly unbalanced. This typically improves within 2–3 months, so please do not worry.

07. Dying or perming the hair is possible 1 month after surgery.

08. Large mouth movements or exaggerated facial expressions may cause temporary tension or pain in the treated area. Please be careful for 1 month after surgery.

09. Please avoid massaging or applying strong pressure to the treated area for 1 month.

10. Avoid ultrasound or laser lifting treatments in the surgical area for 6 months.

• Post-operative care is just as important as the surgery itself, so we kindly ask for your cooperation.
• If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic at any time.

11. Scar Ointment Care Instructions

01. How to Use the Ointment

• Use Dermatix Ultra Gel or Contractubex Gel (choose one of the two products).
• For effective scar improvement, start using the ointment 3 months after suture removal and continue consistently for at least 6 months.
• Clean the scar area first and gently remove any moisture before applying the ointment.
• Use only after the wound has completely healed. (Avoid use if the wound is still open.)
• Apply a small amount of ointment thinly (about the size of a pea is sufficient).
• Gently massage the ointment into the scar area.
• Wait about 1–2 minutes until it completely dries.
• It is recommended to use twice a day (morning and evening).

02. Precautions

• After applying the ointment, avoid rubbing or scratching the scar area.
• Sun exposure can worsen scar pigmentation, so when going outside, apply sunscreen thoroughly.
• If skin irritation or an allergic reaction occurs during use, stop using it immediately and contact the hospital.

※ Postoperative care is just as important as the surgery itself, so we ask for your cooperation in following these instructions.
※ If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the hospital at any time.

813, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, South Korea 4th(F) floor
T. +82 10 3476 1175  Clinic Hours — Weekdays: 10AM–7PM | Saturdays: 10AM–4PM