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Home >> Just for Patients >> Facial Resurfacing

Just for Patients
Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions for Your Surgery
Facial Plastic Surgery - Facial Resurfacing

Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions both BEFORE and AFTER surgery. By following them carefully you will assist in obtaining the best possible result. If questions arise, do not hesitate to contact me or my office to discuss your questions at any time. Take this list with you to the hospital and begin observing these directions on the day of your surgery.

Preparing for Facial Resurfacing

Tell me if you have taken Accutane within the past 12 months.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, etc.) or any drugs containing these compounds, or vitamin E over and above what is already in a multivitamin, for two weeks prior to surgery.
Refrain from smoking two weeks before and four weeks after surgery.
Avoid sun damage. Wear sunblock at all times. (SPF > 15)
Skin Preparation: begin preferably 4 weeks prior to procedure ( at least 2 weeks prior)
  • Apply Retin-A 0.05% to the face at bedtime ( as tolerated).
  • Apply Hydroquinone 4% to the face each morning and evening.
  • Apply Sunblock at all times.

Medications ( by mouth and beginning one day prior to treatment):
  • Cipro 500 mg twice a day, continue for 7 days after treatment
  • Acyclovir 800 mg three times a day, continue for 7 days after treatment

Items to purchase prior to procedure:
  • Purchase two 2-pound frozen bags of peas. You will use these as ice-bags postoperatively.
  • Fresh jar of 100% pure white petroleum jelly. (Not scented Vaseline or "perfumed" jelly.)
  • Saran wrap (to place over petroleum jelly) so that ice does not stick to skin
    White cotton gloves to wear at night (prevents itching - socks work well)
    Large hat to wear if you must go outside.
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, three hours before the resurfacing. If you are having other facial plastic surgery, do not eat or drink after midnight the night before.
Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital. You will not be allowed to leave alone.

Day of the Procedure

Wear clothing that fastens in the front or back. Avoid slipover sweaters, T-shirts and turtlenecks.

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, the morning of your surgery.
Leave your valuables at home; do not wear jewelry.
Do not wear any facial or eye make-up, or nail polish.
You may wear your glasses; do not wear contact lenses.
If you wear dentures, keep them in.

Post-Operative Care

Day 1-3
Generously apply the Petroleum jelly over the face as often as necessary to keep the face moist. ( At least 4 times a day for the first 3 days.) A moist environment facilitates and expedites wound healing. You will not have to or want to wash your face.
Continue taking the Cipro and the Acyclovir
Take pain medications as necessary.
Apply the Saran Wrap¨ over the face and then apply cool compresses ( the frozen peas) for 20 minutes out of each 30 minutes for the rest of the operative day and for as much of the first two postoperative days as possible.
Avoid sunlight. Stay indoors and away from windows.
Do not apply makeup.
Sleep with head elevated.
Day 3-8/10
You may begin to gently splash water on the face and pat (not rub) to bathe the area. It is best not to use soap.
DO NOT PICK THE CRUSTS. This could cause scarring. Apply the Vaseline liberally.
Continue to totally avoid sunlight. Stay indoors and away from windows until skin regrows completely (usually takes 8-10 days) If you do go outside, wear a wide brim hat.
Do not apply makeup.
Sleep with head elevated.
Skin Regrows (Epithelialized)
You may begin to wear hypoallergenic makeup. Gentle Cover Concealer by Physician's Formula, will lighten the redness and Le Velevet Film Makeup SPF-15 can increase flesh tones.
Sunblock with SPF >30.
Stay out of sun for 6 weeks.
Begin 2.5% Hydrocortisone Cream three times a day for 3 weeks.
Sleep with the head elevated.
In General
Contact lenses may be worn within 2 days after your procedure.
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor.
DON'T TAKE CHANCES! -if you are concerned about anything you consider significant, call me at 212-750-7100.

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60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, NY 10022 | Phone 212.750.7100 | Fax 212.263.2044
Dr. Philip Miller, MD, FACS, New York plastic surgeon