Facial contouring surgery aftercare & post-op instructions

Getting facial contouring surgery is a life-changing and risky decision but it can treat your jaw irregularities and enhance your appearance. However, the success of the plastic surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also the patients. Yes, we are talking about facial contouring surgery aftercare – how you should care for your jaws after surgery.

Because only when you properly care for your jaws after surgery and heal well, will you then have satisfactory results from your surgery. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on what to expect after your facial contouring surgery, post-op instructions and tips on aftercare. Recover well, heal quick, and enjoy the results of your jaw surgery.

What to expect after facial contouring surgery

1. Bruising & swelling

Expect major bruising, swelling and soreness for at least 2~3 weeks. Swelling will reduce asymmetrically so do not panic if you . Typically, about 70% of the bruising and swelling is lost within 2 weeks, and most of the swelling will be gone in 3 months.

2. Medicines & gargling solution

You will be prescribed with painkillers, stomach liners, antibiotics and gargling solution after your surgery. Make sure to take your medications and gargle often, as prescribed by your plastic surgeon.

3. Facial bandage

You will be required to wear a facial bandage for at least 1 week after your facial contouring surgery. The purpose of the facial bandage is to protect and keep your jaws in their new position while they heal. Do leave it on and wear it whenever possible, or as advised by your plastic surgeon.

4. Numbness of face & lips

You may experience temporary numbness on your face or lips for a few weeks. But you will regain your sensations, beginning from your upper face.

5. Drooling

Expect lots of drooling for the first few days but do not worry as it is normal. Carry towels with you and use towels to clean your drool but do not use the towels on your face.

Facial contouring surgery aftercare & post-op instructions

1. Do not rub, pull or put pressure on your face (esp. jaw area) for at least 1~2 months, so as to allow your jaws to heal properly.
2. Do not use your jaw muscles excessively or open your mouth wide or yawn for at least 1-2 months.
3. Gargle often to reduce the risk of infections in your mouth.
4. Do not smoke or be around a smoker for at least 3 weeks. Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of infection of your wounds.
5. Keep your head elevated and sit upright as much as possible to help minimize swelling.
6. Sleeping and resting with your head raised on 2~3 pillows to help minimize swelling.
7. Do not wipe or clean the incisions until stitches are removed. Water can affect sutures, and possibly reopen the incision.
8. No full showers until stitches are removed. Getting the surgical area wet can lead to irritation, inflammation, and a higher risk of infection.
9. Apply cold compress or icepacks on your jaws to help reduce swelling for the first 3~4 days. After which you should use warm packs. Do use the packs on both sides of your jaw evenly.
10. Avoid facial massages, saunas and laser procedures (e.g. LPL, fraser laser etc.) for at least 1 month.

Exercise advice

• Avoid strenuous exercises such as aerobics, jogging, swimming, weight lifting, biking and intercourse for at least 3 weeks.
• Avoid bending over and activities that will raise your blood pressure.
• Take lots of light walks in the park as it helps reduce swelling, lower the chance of developing blood clots, and avoid constipation.

Food & drink advice

• Expect to follow a liquid diet (e.g. pumpkin juice, milkshakes, juices, smoothies etc.) for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. Then gradually move to a soft food diet (e.g. soft fish, tofu, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, avocado etc.) for 2~3 months.
• Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing for at least 3 months after your surgery.
• Abstain from alcohol for at least 3 weeks as it thins your blood which causes prolonged bleeding or infections.
• Avoid salty foods for at least 2 weeks as it contribute to fluid retention and swelling.
• Reduce caffeine and carbonated drinks intake for the first few days.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids (water and fresh juices).
• Eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables to avoid constipation.

Medication advice

• Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless instructed by your surgeon.
• Avoid using any over-the-counter ointments unless recommended by your surgeon.
• If you have regular medication (eg. blood pressure or hypertension medication etc.), consult your surgeon on when you can resume taking them.
• Take your medications regularly as instructed by your surgeon.
• Do not take your medications on an empty stomach.
• Apply the prescribed ointment with a Q-tips or clean fingers.

Makeup advice

• Do not apply any lotion or creams on your jaw area for at least 2 weeks.
• No makeup for at least 2 weeks as it will increase risk of infection and permanent discoloration of skin.

Extra facial contouring surgery aftercare tips for speedy recovery

1. Dental care

Since you will not be able to brush your teeth for about 1~2 weeks after the surgery, gargle often with the prescribed gargling solution (every 2 hours), or as advised by your plastic surgeon. This will help maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of infections to your incisions.

2. Eat a well-balanced diet

This means lots of fruits and vegetables, but not forgetting your meats. And stay away from sweets and processed food, obviously. Fruits such as pineapples, berries and apples are known to help reduce swelling. Vegetables, especially dark leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, and meats, preferably white meats, help expedite healing and fight infections.

Keep a full liquid diet for 2~4 weeks and gradually move to soft foods. Most importantly, avoid chewy foods for at least 3 months after your surgery as your jaws are still healing.

3. Sleep, sleep & sleep

Healing requires a lot of energy, so you’ll probably feel more tired than usual. Take lots of naps and sleep early at night. In fact, having a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to accelerate your recovery process.

4. Jaw exercises

Start exercising your jaws gently 1 month after your surgery. This will help your nerves to heal faster.

5. Dress comfortably

Wear comfortable and loose clothing such as garments that do not need to be pulled over your head and follow our jaw surgery aftercare tips diligently to heal quickly.

Seek medical advice asap if you experience: