Face Contouring Surgery Post-Operative Precautions
- Wear the facial compression band continuously for the first 3 days after surgery. After that, continue wearing it for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening for up to 1 month.
- You may sleep on your side starting 1 week after surgery. However, if you have had cheekbone reduction surgery, it is best to avoid sleeping on your side for 1 month. Briefly lying on your side from time to time is generally fine.
- Stitches are usually removed 7 to 10 days after surgery. Until the stitches and tape are removed, you may only shower below the face, and the rest of the face, except for the incision areas, should be gently wiped with facial cleansing wipes. From 1 day after stitch removal, you may wash your face with water. From 2 days after stitch removal, you may use soap, shampoo your hair, and apply makeup, except on the surgical areas.
- You may start drinking water 6 hours after surgery. If you do not feel any discomfort, begin with thin rice gruel or porridge, then move on to soft foods such as soft bread, tofu, fish cake, and steamed egg. Spicy or strongly seasoned foods should be avoided for 2 weeks.
- Please drink at least 1 liter of water per day to stay well hydrated.
- For 7 days after surgery, use the mouthwash you purchased every 2 to 3 hours to keep the inside of your mouth clean. In particular, you must use the prescribed mouthwash after waking up and before going to bed.
- Brushing your teeth is allowed from 7 days after surgery. Use a baby toothbrush and a mild toothpaste, and brush only the teeth carefully, avoiding the gums and incision lines. The stitches inside the mouth are dissolvable and safe if swallowed. They will gradually dissolve over about 4 weeks, so stitch removal is not necessary.
- For 1 month after any facial contouring surgery, you must avoid hard or tough foods. After 1 month, foods with a firmer texture, such as pork belly, are generally allowed.
- Dental treatment is possible from 2 weeks after surgery. However, wisdom tooth extraction is related to square jaw surgery. After square jaw surgery, extraction of the lower wisdom teeth is possible after 6 months, while extraction of the upper wisdom teeth is possible after 2 weeks. Since your mouth may not open fully, please avoid overstraining during treatment.
General Post-Operative Care Instructions
- Alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited for 1 month after surgery, as they may cause bleeding and inflammation.
- Apply cold compresses for the first 3 days after surgery. Starting from day 4, use warm compresses for up to 1 month to help reduce swelling and bruising.
- Walking is very helpful for reducing swelling. From day 4 after surgery, please take slow, extended walks to promote blood circulation. Regular exercise may be resumed 1 month after surgery.
- Avoid bending your head downward after surgery. For the first week, sleeping flat on your back with your upper body elevated will help reduce swelling. If sleeping too upright feels uncomfortable, adjust the height of your upper body to a level that feels comfortable for you.
- Swelling and bruising usually become worse during the first 3 days after surgery, then gradually subside over the following 2 to 4 weeks. Recovery may vary depending on individual factors such as environment, diet, blood circulation, skin type, and post-operative care.
- Do not take aspirin or vitamin E for 1 week after surgery, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Please take all prescribed medications on time and as directed after discharge. If you develop symptoms such as diarrhea or hives after taking the medication, please contact the clinic.
- If you experience sudden severe swelling, warmth, pain, or changes in skin color, please contact the clinic immediately.