Taking care of your skin in the weeks to months before surgery may help support healing and recovery. The following is a general guide on skin care leading up to your procedure. Specific recommendations may vary based on individual needs and skin types, so it is advisable to consult with your surgeon or healthcare provider.

Sun Protection

Minimising sun exposure is important for skin health and healing. Daily sunscreen use is recommended, regardless of the season or weather. UVA and UVB rays can affect collagen and elastin, which are involved in the skin’s natural recovery process. Excessive sun exposure may also contribute to increased redness and changes in scar appearance. A zinc or mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30+ may be beneficial. To remove sunscreen, gently cleanse the skin with a moist, warm microfibre cloth.

Cleansing

Cleansing the skin before applying any products helps maintain skin hygiene. A gentle, non-irritating cleanser may be suitable for daily use. Common options include Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

Facial Product Application

As a general guideline, lighter products (such as serums) are applied before heavier formulations (such as creams or moisturisers). Individual recommendations may vary, and patients should follow any instructions provided by their healthcare team.

Moisturisers

Choosing a mild, fragrance-free moisturiser may help maintain skin hydration. Patients may already have a preferred product suitable for their skin type. Options such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturiser and Neutrogena Hydro Boost HA Nourishing Cream are commonly used gentle formulations.

Vitamin C / Antioxidants

Vitamin C serums and antioxidant-based skincare products are commonly used to support skin hydration and overall texture. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider regarding the suitability of such products before surgery.

In some rhinoplasty procedures, cartilage grafting may be required to provide structural support and functional improvements. In most cases, cartilage can be harvested from the nasal septum (the back of the nose). However, in some situations, septal cartilage may not be available due to factors such as previous trauma, significant deviations, or prior nasal surgery.

When additional cartilage is needed and cannot be taken from the septum, alternative sources may include ear cartilage, rib cartilage, or irradiated cartilage from a donor source (cadaveric rib graft).

You have been identified as a potential candidate for an irradiated rib graft. This type of graft has undergone irradiation processing, which eliminates microorganisms, reducing the risk of disease transmission. As this is not a transplant, there is no requirement for immunosuppressive medications.

Potential Benefits of an Irradiated Rib Graft:

  • No chest incision or discomfort from rib cartilage harvesting.
  • Reduced operative time (by approximately one hour).
  • Comparable outcomes in terms of cartilage warping and resorption when compared to using a patient’s own rib cartilage.

Post-CO₂ Laser Skincare

After CO₂ laser resurfacing, proper skin care is important to support healing and recovery. This treatment involves partial ablation of the facial skin, which stimulates a healing response and the production of new collagen and elastin. This process may contribute to improvements in skin texture and tone.

Following CO₂ laser resurfacing, the skin can become more prone to dehydration due to the small areas of ablation created by the laser. A key focus during wound healing is to maintain skin hydration, as studies suggest that keeping wounds moist may support the healing process.

Moisturising and Wound Care

Some wound care products are formulated to help maintain moisture balance and support healing. These products may contain ingredients designed to improve skin hydration and oxygen availability. Patients may experience a temporary tingling or warming sensation when applying skincare products after laser treatment.

It is recommended that patients discuss appropriate post-laser skincare options with Dr Honeybrook for specific product recommendations.

With the increasing popularity of non-surgical and preventative treatments, more individuals are considering options for facial rejuvenation at an earlier age. While individuals between 35 and 50 make up a large proportion of those undergoing facial procedures, some younger individuals may also explore surgical options depending on their unique concerns and anatomy.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to address facial ageing by lifting and repositioning tissues to improve skin laxity and facial contours. A deep plane facelift involves adjusting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which supports the underlying facial structure. In some cases, a facelift may be combined with additional procedures, such as a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, based on individual needs.

Considering Facial Surgery in Your 30s or 40s

Not everyone in their 30s or 40s will have significant skin laxity, deep wrinkles, or neck banding. For some individuals, less invasive surgical techniques may be an alternative to a full facelift. These techniques may focus on enhancing jawline definition and addressing early signs of facial ageing. A consultation with a qualified surgeon can help determine whether a surgical or non-surgical approach is most appropriate.

When Is the Right Time for a Facelift?

Everyone experiences ageing differently, influenced by genetics, lifestyle factors, and weight changes. Some individuals may notice visible changes in skin elasticity earlier than others, which may lead them to explore surgical options at a younger age.

A consultation with a surgeon experienced in facelift techniques is essential to assess whether surgical intervention is appropriate. Depending on individual concerns, a surgeon may recommend a facelift or alternative procedures tailored to the patient’s needs.

While non-surgical treatments such as injectable fillers and skin-tightening procedures are commonly sought by younger individuals, some may be candidates for minimally invasive surgical options. A surgeon can provide guidance on whether a surgical or non-surgical approach aligns with a patient’s long-term aesthetic goals.

Considering Longevity of Results

Some individuals choose to undergo facial surgery earlier in life, as they may prefer to address signs of ageing gradually rather than waiting until more significant skin laxity occurs. A discussion with a surgeon can help clarify timing, expected outcomes, and available treatment options.

Why are drains used?

Dr Honeybrook routinely uses surgical drains in all deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures. The reason Dr Honeybrook uses drains is to prevent blood or fluid accumulating in the neck which can affect the viability of the skin.

When a face or neck lift is performed there is a large surface area of skin that is elevated and after the deeper tissues and skin is tailored and redraped we want the skin to stick back down to the deeper tissues to re-establish its blood supply. If there is fluid or blood underneath the skin this can affect the blood supply of the skin.

How long do the drains stay in?

The drains are placed behind the ears on both sides and are tunnelled down underneath the skin to drain the front of the neck where fluid collects with gravity. Generally, the surgical drains are left in place for 1 night and are removed the following morning after surgery.

If you stay overnight in the hospital after your operation, Dr Honeybrook will see you in the morning at the hospital to assess if the surgical drains can be removed. If you are discharged home on the day of surgery, you will return to the office the day after surgery for our nurses to assess if the drains can be removed. In most situations the drains can be removed the morning after surgery.

Dr Honeybrook or our nursing staff will assess how much output is in the drain and will assess the neck for any excess blood or fluid that may have collected after surgery.

Managing the drains at home

In some circumstances the drains will be left in for a longer period of time to ensure there is no accumulation of blood or fluid in the neck. This will require you to manage the drains at home which is a relatively straightforward process.

First is important to understand how the drain works. There is a small tube that is tunnelled underneath the skin and exits the skin behind the ear and this tube has small holes towards the end which the blood and fluid can drain into. The drain, when charged, applies a suction effect which draws the fluid into the tube and subsequently the drain bulb.

The drain is charged by releasing the top plug of the drain and squeezing the drain whilst reapplying the top plug. This applies a negative pressure to the drain. If the drain quickly loses charge and inflates, please let the office know.

We will ask you to record the output from each drain every 24 hours. We recommend doing this at the same time point every day for accuracy. To empty and record the drain output release the top plug of the drain and empty the fluid inside the drain into a measuring cup. Next measure and record the amount of fluid or blood from each drain in the drain recording sheet we provide you.

We will then ask you to report these numbers to our nursing staff each day to determine if you can come into the office to have the drains removed. The drain removal process involves removing a stich and gently pulling the drain and is generally a painless process.

 

Nasal Exercises After Rhinoplasty

After the external nasal splint has been removed following a rhinoplasty there is a tendency for the nose to swell. There is also a tendency for the nasal bones that have been repositioned to want to splay into a wider position. Therefore, in all rhinoplasty patients Dr Honeybrook recommends nasal exercises to mobilise and reduce swelling after surgery as well as reduce the likelihood of the nasal bones widening.

The first exercise involves taking the index finger of your right hand and pushing down along the bridge of the nose all the way from the tip up to in between the eyes/forehead. This should feel tender but not excruciatingly painful. Please perform this 10 seconds 10 times a day for at least the first 3 weeks after your surgery.

The next exercise involves taking both your index fingers and placing along the side of the upper portion of the nose where the nose which should feel firm. Again, you are going to push against the sides of the nose until it feels tender but is not unbearably painful. Please perform this exercise for 10 seconds to 10 times a day for at least the first 3 weeks after your surgery.

In selected circumstances after eyelid surgery Dr Honeybrook will recommend an eye pressure patch to reduce swelling of the eyelid/s. If this has been recommended to you, please follow these instructions carefully. Please obtain makeup removal pads from your local chemist or supermarket. The thicker the removal part be better in this situation.

Wet 2 of the pads and keep them together in place into your freezer. You can prepare multiple sets in the freezer in preparation. Once they have been in the freezer for at least 30 minutes place these 2 pads on the effected eye or eyes while the eye is closed and cover with another 2 dry pads.

Next have somebody helping you use micropore tape or other tape to firmly tape down the pressure pads to apply pressure to the closed eye. Used 2 strips of tape to keep firmly in place. If you have been advised to apply eye pressure pads please perform this twice during the day for 1 hour on each occasion and overnight while you sleep.

Supplements to Improve Healing after Facial Plastic Surgery

Bromelain 

Bromelain is an over-the-counter supplement that improves bruising which may be associated with surgery. Bromelain is homeopathic product derived from a pineapple extract and has been shown in studies to reduce pain and enhance wound healing.

Bromelain only comes in oral forms. Dr Honeybrook recommends taking oral bromelain after surgery and is to be taken with each meal 3x daily. Take this supplement until you are seen back for your first post operative appointment at 1 week.

Arnica Montana 

This is an over-the-counter supplement that helps bruising and swelling associated with surgery. There are oral and topical forms of Arnica Montana. Dr Honeybrook recommends both oral and topical Arnica Montana. Use Arnica Montana 3C or 6C tablets and dissolve 2 tablets under the tongue every 4 hours.

The topical form of Arnica Montana can also be used to reduce post operative recovery time, swelling and bruising. Dr Honeybrook has formulated a specific product called SkinSoothe+ for patients after facial plastic surgery procedures that contains Arnica Montana, Heparinoids and other proprietary components and recommends using this after surgery. Apply 3x daily starting the day after surgery. Take this supplement until you are seen back for your first post operative appointment at 1 week.

During the first 24–48 hours after treatment you will experience redness, swelling and tenderness in the treated areas. These responses are normal and resolve quickly and spontaneously over the next 2-4 days. If PRP/PRF is injected into the face, you can apply light water-based or mineral makeup where necessary. Drink plenty of water for 48 hours after the procedure.

Bruising at the site of injection is also common and clears completely in 1-10 days. Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of ‘unevenness’ in the area treated. This will settle once the swelling and bruising has gone.

After your treatment you should:

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks and spicy food for 24 hours, as these may exacerbate bruising and swelling.
  • Avoid medications such as aspirin or nurofen for 1-2 weeks as they are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising (if these medications have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them)
  • Avoid supplements such as multivitamins, fish oils, glucosamine and Vitamin B or Vitamin E, which are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising for 1-2 weeks (if these supplements have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them)
  • Avoid exercise/exertion for 24 hours
  • Avoid excess sun exposure or solarium use for 24 hours
  • Avoid getting the scalp wet if you have had PRP/PRF treatment for hair loss

You will feel raised ‘bumps’ and raised ‘threads’ on the skin in some areas that have been treated.

If you are having PRP/PRF injected into the scalp for hair loss, please avoid massaging and avoid getting the scalp wet for the first 24 hours.

If PRP/PRF is injected into the face, it is advisable to massage the areas gently with a greasy moisturiser or arnica cream 2-3 x daily for 5-7 days. This will ensure that the PRP/PRF is spread across the deep layer of the skin to create a sheet of product which will attract water to it and hydrate the deep layer of the skin.

PROBLEMS TO REPORT

  • Signs of infection:
    • Increasing redness
    • Increasing pain
    • Fever
    • Discharge of pus from the wound
  • Increasing swelling
  • Prolonged or increasing volume of bleeding
  • Nausea or vomiting that is not settling
  • Chest pain and /or shortness of breath
  • Pain in your calves

FOLLOW UP CARE

Your follow up visit is usually 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. If you do not already have a post-surgery follow up appointment, please call the office number listed above where you were originally seen. If you have any questions or concerns prior to your scheduled appointment, please call the office and speak with one of our nursing team during business hours (8:30AM – 4:30PM).

In case of a LIFE THREATENING emergency please call 000.

Any other information regarding this procedure or any other surgical procedure can be found at www.valleyplasticsurgery.com.au.