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How to Know When to Call a Doctor After Facelift Surgery

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Serious emergencies resulting from facelift surgery are rare. Some complications can be cared for at home and addressed at a follow-up visit. Still, it is important to learn the symptoms of serious complications and watch for them in the days following facelift surgery.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Doctor

    Recognize When to Call Your Doctor After Facelift Surgery

  1. Step 1

    Some minor swelling is normal following the procedure. However, if you experience any sudden occurrences of swelling, you should call your doctor immediately. This type of swelling may appear quickly and should be taken seriously, as it may be a sign of infection.

  2. Step 2

    Check your temperature regularly if you feel ill after the procedure. You may have an infection if you experience a temperature of over 100 degrees. If you have a fever, seek medical care immediately to receive proper treatment.

  3. Step 3

    Be aware of pain that seems more severe than the average discomfort you have felt following the surgery. Your discomfort should be managed with pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Severe pain could be a sign of serious complications.

  4. Step 4

    Look out for any allergic reactions that occur when you take medications prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to let your doctor know in advance if you are aware of any allergies you have to certain medications. Read the information provided to you at the pharmacy to learn about possible side effects and call your doctor if you have any difficulties.

  5. Step 5

    Observe if the dressings and bandages around your neck and head have tightened too much due to swelling. It is important to avoid removing the bandages too early, but if they become too uncomfortable, ask your doctor to fix them.

  6. Step 6

    Call your doctor if your stitches come undone or your staples become loose along the incision. In order to prevent infection and ensure proper healing after facelift surgery, it is important that the incision remain closed and sterilized.

  7. Step 7

    Remember that if a hematoma occurs due to bleeding under your skin, your doctor may need to operate to prevent obstruction of the blood flow. Call your doctor immediately when you notice any blood collected under the skin, so he can promptly remove it.

Tips & Warnings
  • Your doctor will most likely want to see you for follow-up visits several times following the surgery. Be sure you have someone available to drive you to appointments in the earliest days of your recovery.
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