Pre and Post-Operative Care in Facial Surgeries
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TRANSFORMING YOUR FACE
Facial surgeries are among the most sought-after aesthetic procedures by those who wish to rejuvenate, harmonize features, or correct natural imperfections. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhytidoplasty (facelift), otoplasty (ear correction), and rhinoplasty (nose surgery) are just some examples of techniques that require meticulous planning and doubled attention in pre and post-operative care.
Contrary to what many imagine, surgery success doesn't depend only on surgeon skill, but also on care adopted by the patient before and after the procedure. Small actions make all the difference in recovery and final aesthetic result.
Therefore, this article gathers everything you need to know about essential care before and after facial surgery, with accessible language, objective explanations, and tips validated by area specialists.
If you want to prepare the right way, avoid complications and achieve the result you've always dreamed of, keep reading.
Why are pre and post-operative care so important?
Facial surgeries involve delicate structures, such as skin, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. This means that any small error --- whether in preparation or during recovery --- can compromise symmetry, prolong swelling, or even generate unwanted scars.
Among the main objectives of pre and post-operative care are:
Avoid complications, such as infection, hematomas, bleeding, or tissue necrosis
Accelerate recovery, reducing swelling and bruising time
Ensure adequate healing, preserving result naturalness
Reduce risk of retractions, fibrosis, or asymmetries
Improve patient safety during the procedure
Additionally, post-operative care helps the surgeon evaluate if the organism is reacting well to surgery and make adjustments if necessary.
Pre-operative care in facial surgeries
Preparation begins weeks before surgery. The more disciplined the patient is during this period, the greater the procedure safety and better the aesthetic results.
Complete medical evaluation
Before any surgery, the patient must undergo a detailed consultation, where the surgeon will evaluate:
Health history
Allergies
Medication use
Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart problems
Laboratory exams and, in some cases, cardiological evaluation are requested to ensure everything is within ideal parameters.
Interruption of medications and harmful habits
It's common for the doctor to request suspension of:
Anticoagulants (such as aspirin or warfarin)
Anti-inflammatories
Herbal medicines or supplements with vasodilating or anticoagulant effect, such as ginkgo biloba or vitamin E
The use of alcohol and cigarettes must also be suspended, as they compromise tissue oxygenation and increase risk of healing complications.
Light eating and fasting
In the days preceding surgery, it's recommended to maintain a balanced diet, with good protein, iron, and vitamin intake. On surgery day, fasting is normally 8 hours for solids and 2 hours for clear liquids, according to medical guidance.
Skin care
Avoiding sun exposure, aggressive aesthetic procedures, or use of acids on the face is fundamental in preceding weeks. Skin needs to be healthy to withstand surgery and heal correctly.
Post-operative care in facial surgeries
The recovery period requires patience, attention, and commitment to medical guidelines. Post-operative care may vary according to the type of facial surgery performed, but some recommendations are common to most procedures.
Rest and cold compresses
In the first 48 to 72 hours, using cold compresses helps reduce swelling and prevent hematomas. Sleeping with head slightly elevated also favors fluid drainage and decreases edema.
Relative rest is indicated in the first week, avoiding physical efforts, lowering the head, or performing abrupt movements.
Prescribed medications
The doctor will prescribe analgesics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories, if necessary. Don't take medicines on your own, even if they seem harmless --- some may interfere with healing or cause adverse reactions.
Hygiene and dressings
Keeping the operated area clean, dry, and protected is indispensable. Dressings must be changed according to medical team guidance, and stitches are usually removed between 5 and 10 days, depending on surgery type.
Rigorous sun protection
Sun exposure should be avoided for at least 30 days after facial surgery. Skin will still be sensitive and subject to spots and hyperpigmentation. When cleared, using SPF 50+ sunscreen is mandatory, including in closed environments with artificial light.
Avoid makeup and cosmetics in first days
During the first week, skin will still be in healing process. Avoid any product that may cause irritation or infection. Use only what is cleared by your doctor.
Return to physical activities
Light activities can be resumed after 15 to 20 days, but intense exercises, gym, or exposure to excessive heat (such as sauna) should wait at least 30 to 45 days, or until medical clearance.
Follow-up is part of success
Finally, it's essential to attend all follow-up consultations. This is when the doctor evaluates healing, identifies possible intercurrences, and guides adjustments if necessary. Ignoring post-operative care can compromise months of preparation and an important investment.
Facial surgeries offer incredible results when well indicated and conducted by qualified professionals. But for everything to go well, the patient's role is decisive --- pre and post-operative care are essential parts of treatment.
Following all guidelines, respecting body limits, and having patience with the recovery process, results appear naturally, harmoniously, and lastingly.
If you're preparing for facial surgery, remember: every detail matters, and your collaboration is as important as the surgeon's technique.
