How will I look and feel right after surgery?

When surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. A bandage may have been wrapped around your face to help control swelling. Sometimes, small drainage tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain away fluids that might otherwise accumulate. Discomfort is usually minimal, but any pain you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Barnthouse. Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:

The first day

• In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to help minimize bruising and swelling.
  

Within the first week

• Swelling reaches its peak, and then begins to subside.
• Bandages will be removed and you may shower.
• Stitches will dissolve or be removed.
• You may return to light activity, but continue to sleep with your head elevated.
• You can wear makeup to conceal any discoloration.
  

Within two weeks

• Most of the bruising will disappear.
• You may resume many of your normal activities, including non-strenuous work.
  

After several weeks

• You may resume exercise.
• Swelling and puffiness will continue to subside.
• Numbness in the facial area will diminish; however, some numbness may persist for several months.
  

Throughout the healing period, you should avoid exposure to direct sunlight and, for the long term, be conscientious about using sun block preparations to protect your skin.