A Message From Dr. Maas

Dear Patient,
Your care is most important to us. Please read this pamphlet carefully and keep it handy as a reference after your surgery if you have any questions or problems before or after your surgery, please do not hesitate to call, anytime.

Sincerely,

Corey S. Maas, M.D.

To view and/or print Patient Care Instructions for a particular procedure, please select the appropriate link from the list that follows.

- Important Steps for Wound Healing
- Ultrasoft Facial Implant
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
- Facial Implant Surgery
- Rhytidoplasty (Facelift/Brow Lift)
- Rhinoplasty (Surgery of the Nose)
- Skin Resurfacing
- Liposuction

Important Steps for Wound Healing

• Wounds heal best in a moist, clean environment.
• Clean suture lines twice daily with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip.
• Gently cleaning with peroxide will remove crusts (scabs).
• DO NOT pick at or manually remove crusts. They will gradually resolve with gentle cleaning.
• After cleaning apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the entire length of the wound.
• Bacitracin is a good choice of ointment. It can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
• Continue wound care until all sutures are removed and crusts are gone.
• IN most cases you may shower one or two days after surgery. After shower pat the wound dry and apply a thin layer of ointment over the length of the wound. Do Not use a blow dryer on or around wounds.
• If drainage or pus develops, redness or pain increases, or sudden swelling occurs call the doctor.

The Results of Your Surgery Depend on Good Wound Care at Home !!!

Ultrasoft™ Facial Implant

Before you receive your Ultrasoft™ facial implant treatment, please review this important information.

The appearance of your skin is affected by the strength and the elasticity of the natural collagen support layer beneath it. Over time, this support layer weakens and facial creases and furrows appear. Ultrasoft facial implant is asubdermal implant which helps to eliminate these creases and furrows by providing structure and support underneath the skin.

This information will not take the place of a consultation visit with Dr. Maas, but it will answer some of the questions often asked about treatment with Ultrasoft facial implant. It can also help you decide whether treatment with Ultrasoft facial implant can help eliminate your facial creases or furrows.

What is Ultrasoft facial implant?

The Ultrasoft facial implant is a persistent yet removable facial implant for the treatment of deep facial furrows or creases such as nasolabial folds (creases between the nose and corners of the mouth), deep frown lines and definition of the vermilion border surrounding the lips.) The implant will provide a substantial correction of the furrow or creases. However, it may be necessary to use another product such as Collagen Replacement Therapy� to achieve full correction of the treatment area.

The Ultrasoft facial implant is a hollow, tube-shaped implant made of a biocompatible polymer called ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). The ePTFE polymer is a proven material which has been used for more than 20 years in a variety of medical applications that include the replacement of deteriorating blood vessels in over 3.5 million people, hernia repair, abdominal wall reinforcement and, subsequently, for soft tissue augmentation of the face.

How does the Ultrasoft facial implant work?

The Ultrasoft implant helps to eliminate deep facial creases and furrows by providing structure and support underneath the skin. The Ultrasoft facial implant helps to reduce the depth of the creases or furrow by raising the level of the surrounding skin.

What are the appropriate indications for Ultrasoft facial implant?

Areas with actual tissue loss, relative tissue deficiency or deep facial creases such as nasolabial folds, oral commissures, deep glabellar furrows and the vermilion border may be appropriate indications for Ultrasoft facial implant.

Who is a candidate for Ultrasoft facial implant?

Ultrasoft implant is best suited for someone with pronounced facial creases or furrows who is seeking lasting results. Ultrasoft implant is not an appropriate treatment for fine, superficial lines. Dr. Maas will inquire about your medical history to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for treatment.

What is involved in the Ultrasoft facial implant procedure?

Prior to treatment you will discuss, in consultation with Dr. Maas, whether you are an appropriate candidate for Ultrasoft facial implant procedure. Treatment with Ultrasoft implant consists of a simple in-office procedure done under a local anesthetic. The implant is inserted below the surface of the skin through two small incisions. The procedure generally takes less than one-half hour, but will vary depending on the number of implants used.

Does the procedure hurt?

Each person will respond differently to the procedure. You may feel discomfort when the doctor injects a local anesthetic. However, you should not feel discomfort during the actual procedure.

How will my face look and feel following the procedure?

You may experience some swelling or bruising which usually lasts for a few days up to one week following treatment. A stitch is placed on each incision site which is generally removed three to five days following the procedure. Many patients return to work the next day after treatment as these effects usually can be camouflaged with cosmetics.

Some patients experience a sensation of tightness in the implanted area for approximately five to seven days. You will also be able to 'feel' the implant under your skin, however, this should decrease over time.

Can the procedure leave a scar?

As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks and benefits. In order to place each implant, one or two tiny incisions less than 1/4 of an inch must be made on the skin. Although there will be a scar at these incision sites, they are located in places which are very difficult to detect -- over time they should become unnoticeable.

How long will it take to see results?

While the correction is immediate some swelling occurs and final healing takes approximately three to four months. You will appear normal to most people in five to seven days.

How long will results last?

The Ultrasoft facial implant is a permanent material. It will remain in the area in which it is placed unless you choose to have it removed. As you age, furrows may slowly appear over time.

Can patients be allergic to ePTFE?

While it is possible to have an allergic reaction to almost any material, there have been no reported cases of an allergic reaction to the ePTFE material.

Will treatment with Ultrasoft facial implant take the place of other surgical procedures such as face-lifts or treatment of fine, superficial wrinkles?

People who have excess facial skin, those who want a resurfacing of the skin or who have fine, superficial lines may not be appropriate candidates for the Ultrasoft facial implant alone. However, physicians often use Ultrasoft facial implant in conjunction with other procedures to fill in deep creases or furrows not amenable to other procedures.

How does Ultrasoft facial implant different from other filler materials such as Collagen or fat injections?

Ultrasoft facial implant is a subdermal implant which helps to eliminate deep furrows by providing structure and support underneath the skin. It is a persistent material which is not absorbed or broken down by the body over time.

Filler materials such as Collagen Replacement Therapy� and fat injections reduce wrinkles by "filling in" the lines and wrinkles just under the surface of the skin. Collagen Replacement Therapy and fat are gradually absorbed by the body and need to be re-injected.

For optimal correction of deep furrows and fine lines, many physicians utilize Ultrasoft implant in conjunction with Collagen Replacement Therapy.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The goal of the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic is to make your surgical experience and recovery comfortable and pleasant. Paying careful attention to the written and verbal instructions provided to you by Dr. Maas and his staff will help us to achieve these goals.

General Information

• After this type of procedure the eyelids are notably swollen and show significant bruising. The swelling usually resolves quickly over 1 - 2 days, with the bruising remaining between 1 -2 weeks. The best way to minimize bruising and swelling is to keep cold compresses over your closed eyes for as much time as possible during the first 48 hours. This is detailed later under Eye Care.
• If you usually wear contact lenses, they may be worn as soon as 3 - 5 days after the surgery. However, before using them please ask your physician for approval. Most patients are back to normal activity within 7 - 10 days.
• General Care Instructions
• During the first 24 - 48 hours you should try to remain recumbent with your back and head in an upright position, and crushed ice or bagged frozen vegetables over your eyes. (Peas or corn work well.) This will minimize any swelling and bruising.
• Avoid any bending, straining or lifting, as these activities may result in more swelling and other problems. After the first week such activities may be resumed, after checking first with your doctor.
• Report immediately if you have increasing eye pain or any burning of the eyelids. It is very unusual to have significant, sharp pain but some dull ache may be present. Medications to control this will be provided to you.
• Report any visual problems you have, such as excessive blurring. It is unlikely that you will have any significant blurring, but sometimes the ointment used or mucous in the eyes can cause slight blurring in your vision.
• If unusual swelling arises in either eye, or an increase in bruising occurs, please notify Dr. Maas or his staff. You may notice that one eye will be slightly more, or less, swollen than the other. This is normal and not the cause for concern on the end result of the appearance of your eyes.
• If you experience oozing or bleeding along the suture line, don't rub the area but apply gentle pressure and blot the eye with a sterile compress, holding slight pressure in this area and then apply ice. This will usually stop any leakage, but if it is excessive please notify your physician.
• You may bathe or shower the day after surgery, but avoid getting your eyes wet. Your hair may be washed at this time, but again keep the eyes dry. If they do get slightly wet, dab them dry carefully.
• Occasionally the whites of one or both eyes will be partially discolored. This is painless and will not harm your vision, and generally subsides in 7 10 days • It is not uncommon for very small skin cysts to appear near the suture line in the first few weeks to a few months following the surgery. These can easily be managed in the physician's office during a post-operative visit.
• Smoking reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood vessels and thus should be completely avoided.

Eye Care Instructions

• Be sure to use any eye drops or ointments that the doctor has provided. These help keep the eyes moist, as there may be a small gap between the upper and lower lids immediately after surgery. A small gap is considered normal and should not be of concern.
• Gentle cleansing of the suture lines along the lower lid eyelashes and upper eyelid should be performed with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on a cotton applicator. This will help to loosen any crusting or debris that forms. After cleansing, a small amount of antibiotic ointment can be gently placed on these areas. This should be done 2 - 3 times daily after the day of the operation.
• Sutures are removed on the first post-operative visit, 3-4 days after your surgery.
• Immediately after surgery, your eyes can become tired after prolonged reading or television viewing. We recommend that you limit periods of reading and television to an hour or less per day for the first 2 - 3 days.
• Wearing large sunglasses may help make the effects of surgery less conspicuous and will also help the eyes, which may be sensitive for a few days to bright lights.
• You may wear eye makeup, sparingly, 1 week after surgery. However, everyone heals differently and some wounds heal more slowly than others so please check with your physician before applying makeup.
• Your post-operative visits will begin 3 -5 days after surgery, then again at 2 weeks and 1 month. Please arrange your schedule for these appointments, which can be coordinated through the doctor's office.

Facial Implant Surgery

Before Surgery -- Pre-Op Instructions

• No Alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to surgery, and NO Aspirin or Vitamin E two weeks prior to surgery, as they may increase bleeding during and after surgery.
• Wash your hair and face the night before surgery, and do not wear any makeup the morning of surgery.
• Avoid clothing which must be pulled over the head.
• Arrange for a ride home following surgery.
• Make small ice packs to reduce post-op bruising and swelling (frozen peas work well.)

After Surgery -- Post-Op Instructions

• A soft diet should be taken for the first week. Ensure that plenty of fluids are taken (6-8 glasses per day.) No hard chewing.
• Use ice packs frequently, particularly the first 48 hours before surgery. This helps reduce swelling and bruising.
• Tape applied to cheeks or chin may be removed by patient after 3 - 4 days.
• Keep head elevated on 2 pillows while sleeping, and try to sleep on your back for 10 days.
• No bending, stooping, or straining for 7 days.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. Avoid over-heating and over-exertion.
• Avoid showers and hot baths for 1 week. Sponge baths with lukewarm water are satisfactory. The hair can be washed anytime.
• Swelling and bruising varies between individuals. As a general rule, if bruising occurs it will last for 7 - 10 days, and if swelling occurs, 80% will be gone by the first few weeks, but it may take 6 - 18 months for the final result to be evident.
• Most individuals are back to normal social functioning within 10 days.
• Prescriptions given post-op are for pain, and possibly for the reduction of swelling.
• If any problems or questions arise, please call the office.

Be VERY careful brushing your teeth, brush gently to avoid causing injury to the stitches in your gum line. The stitches in your mouth are dissolvable, so they don't need to be removed.

Rhytidoplasty (Facelift/Brow Lift)

General Information

The facelift and brow lift are both procedures that can produce dramatic improvements in facial rejuvenation. In the initial recovery period, however, there is marked swelling of many areas of the face as well as some bruising in the neck and cheek areas. This bruising and swelling improves markedly over the first post-operative week and is virtually gone within the first 10 days of surgery.

Most patients are up and around the first day after surgery and by the second day feel quite comfortable. It is during the initial 24-48 hours that we prefer the patient have nursing care that is familiar with the procedures done and the normal post-operative course. This nursing care will be arranged for you and it is important for the patient to carefully follow the nursing instructions.

General Care Instructions:

• The patient should stay in bed with back and head elevated for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may, of course, get up to eat and to use the bathroom, but at this stage, rest will help most to speed recovery.
• Bending over from the waist, lifting heavy objects or performing any strenuous exercise during the first 24-48 hours is prohibited. These activities can increase the risks for wound related problems or bleeding. We suggest that such activities also be avoided for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
• There is typically very little pain associated with this surgery, but a dull headache is not uncommon. Do not take aspirin, or any of the anti-inflammatory medicines described in the literature provided to you, for 2 weeks before and after surgery. The pain medications provided to you by Dr. Maas for your post-operative recovery should suffice and we encourage you to use them should you become uncomfortable.
• On the second day after surgery you may shower or bathe, being careful not to bend over. Care must be taken not to allow the area around the suture lines to remain wet. After a shower or bath carefully dry any wetness around this area and apply ointment. You may wash your hair 24-hours after drains are removed - but do not use blow dryer until clips are removed.
• Be careful not to bump or rub your face for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Hair coloring and perming should be delayed for at least 3 weeks after surgery. Please ask your physician before proceeding with any application of chemicals, such as coloring or perming, to the hair.
• Avoid sudden movements or twisting of the head, especially when driving. It is strongly recommend that you avoid driving for the first 7 - 10 days after surgery.
• Avoid pull-over type clothing. This will reduce the chance of snagging a suture or disrupting the suture lines. Loose fitting clothing that buttons up the front is generally the best.
• Significant temperature elevations may indicate an early infection. If you experience an increased temperature, please notify the doctor's office.
• Numbness in certain areas of the face, particularly around the ears, is fairly common for a period of time after surgery. this numbness usually resolves completely. Be patient, however, as each person heals differently.
• Smoking reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood vessels and thus should be completely avoided.

Care of the Face and Scalp

• A large bulky dressing will be applied following your surgery. This bandage supports and applies pressure to the facial area and prevents any trauma to the face. Do not remove this dressing for 1 - 3 days after surgery. It will be removed in the doctor's office on your postoperative visit.
• After removal of the facial dressing you will be provided with headbands to wear over your ears. These headbands will protect your ears and apply a small amount of pressure. They should be worn at all times for the first week, and then at night only during the second week. Ask your doctor before discontinuing the use of the headbands.
• At the time of removal of the bulky dressing, the drains will probably be removed as well. The drains are connected to small suction bulb which should remain in place and compressed at all times. These suction drains help to reduce the bruising experienced after surgery. Please take care not to disturb these drains, and follow carefully any instructions Dr. Maas gives you regarding these drains.
• It is normal for the swelling to wax and wane over the initial 7 - 10 days after surgery. Do not be concerned if one side of the face appears more swollen than the other. This is normal and will resolve itself.
• Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
* Any excessive pain not controlled by the medication, particularly if the pain is in a localized area of the face.
* Continuous bleeding or discharge from an incision, or soaking of the dressing.
* Some swelling, as reported, is normal. However, if one side should suddenly swell much more than the other then call your physician.
• On the forth day after surgery you may begin gently washing your face with Dove or other mild soap.
• Your hair will have some matting after the surgery. Please be patient with this and do not attempt to force a comb or brush through it. 4 - 5 days after surgery gently washing your hair and letting shower water run through it will lessen the problem.
• Do not wear earrings for the first 3 weeks after surgery. The weight of jewelry can stretch the incisions and cause increased scarring. In addition, if wearing glasses, do not rest the arms of the eyeglasses directly on the ears. Allow them to rest on the headbands for the first week after surgery.
• During the first 7 -10 days of recovery, the effects of surgery can easily be disguised by wearing a scarf folded and tied at the back of the head. Also wearing large sunglasses will disguise the immediate bruising. (Take the precautions noted above if wearing sunglasses.)
• Avoid any sun exposure at all for the first 2 weeks after surgery and, thereafter, apply a good sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater).
• Incisions along the hairline may produce temporary hair loss in these areas. It is normal to have a small amount of hair loss that regrows in time. Be patient. In rare cases the hair loss is permanent. If this should occur, such procedures as excision of scar tissue or placement of hair grafts can be done at a future date.

Wound Care Instructions

• The suture lines in front and behind the ears can be carefully cleaned after the first day. Use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip. A thick layer of antibiotic ointment should then be applied over this area. You should try to gently clean any crusting away 2 - 3 times a day before applying the ointment.
• The sutures in front of the ears are generally removed within the first week after surgery. the sutures behind the ears, and in the hairlines, are removed later.
• With a brow lift incision, if sutures are used in the hairline they will be removed in 5 - 7 days after surgery. The clips that are in the temple area are removed in approximately 10 days. Every attempt should be made to keep the suture lines clean with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip, followed by a small amount of ointment.
• Your face will feel quite tight right after the surgery, for the first several weeks. This is normal and will subside over time, but once again be patient.
• The scars in front and behind the ears have a tendency to redden during the first few weeks after surgery. This can be camouflaged with makeup, after the first week, and will gradually fade and become less conspicuous.
• If you carefully follow this list of instructions, and fully understand them, your post-operative course will likely run very smoothly and comfortably. Should any questions arise concerning these instructions, please being them up at the preoperative visits.

Approximate time table

Surgery:
- Day 3 - 5 remove eye stitches
- Day 5 - 7 remove ear stitches
- Day 7 - 10 remove stitches behind the ear
- Day 10 -14 remove clips

Rhinoplasty (Surgery of the Nose)

General Information

It is important to remember that after surgery it is normal to have some bruising and swelling. Most of this resolves within 10 -14 days after your surgery, depending on the procedure that was performed. With Rhinoplasty procedures, some small amount of swelling may persist, over the nasal tip in particular, for up to 9 -12 months after the procedure.

General Care Instructions:

• Avoid strenuous exercise and straining for at least two weeks after your procedure. Ask the doctor before starting back with any sports activity.
• You may wash your hair the day after surgery, but take great care not to get the cast wet as it may result in premature separation of the cast from the nose.
• Most patients experience very little pain following this procedure. You should not, however, hesitate to take the prescribed pain medications if you need them.

Remember it is important not to take aspirin, medications or anti-inflammatory preparations for two weeks before and after surgery. A list of medications to avoid was supplied to you pre-operatively. If you do not have this list, please call Dr. Maas' staff and request a copy.
• You should not lift or attempt to move heavy objects for two weeks after the surgery. Avoiding bending during this time will hasten the resolution of the nasal swelling. • Do not allow direct sun exposure to the skin over the nose. This area is sensitive to sunlight after this type of surgery and exposure may result in change of pigment of the skin on top of the nose. After the first month, it is okay to be in the sun provided that a sunscreen with a SPF greater than 15 is used liberally.
• You should rest with your head elevated for the first day of your surgery, and the first day post-operatively. Sleeping with your head elevated will reduce draining from the nose, as well as hasten resolution of nasal swelling. You should sleep with your head and back elevated for at least the first two weeks post-operatively.
• Avoid pull-over type clothing. This will reduce the chance of snagging a suture or disrupting the suture lines. Loose fitting clothing that buttons up the front is generally the best.
• You should immediately report any of the following to the doctor or his staff.
* Temperature greater than 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C).
* Bright red drainage that does not stop.
* Severe pain that is not controlled by medications.

• Generally, after nasal surgery you are seen on the first and/or third post-operative day, as well as 1 month and 2 months after the surgery. Please make time available on your schedule for these appointments which can be coordinated through the doctor's office.
• Smoking reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood vessels and thus should by completely avoided.

Nasal Care:

• Keep crushed ice in a glove resting across your face and eyes for the first 48 hours.
• Avoid any nose blowing and if you must sneeze, you should do so with your mouth open. Do not squeeze or rub the nose, but dab any secretions lightly with a gauze pad.
• Change the gauze drip pad under the nose as often as needed. It is normal for the nose to drain, particularly in the first 24 hours, and it may be necessary to change this drip pad as often as every 15 - 20 minutes during the early stages after your nasal surgery.
• If packing was used in the nose, this generally comes out on the first post-operative day. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding your return appointment for removal of this packing which is performed with a minimum of discomfort.
• Do not wear glasses of any type that rest directly on the nose for a period of 4 weeks after your surgery. The pressure of glasses may change the shape of your nose. If you must wear glasses, the cast must be in place on the nasal dorsum during the first month after surgery.
• Blockage of the nasal air passages is normal after this type of surgery due to swelling and drainage. This is uncomfortable but must be accepted for a brief period of time in the initial recovery period. When you return for your post operative visits, your doctor will often gently vacuum the nose which will improve the breathing in these areas.
• Avoid hitting or bumping your nose. Small children and pets are particularly apt to bump your nose. Please be careful.

Skin Resurfacing

General Information

Skin resurfacing is a technique that is quite effective in removing fine wrinkles, as well as some of the coarser wrinkles, of the face. The procedure itself uses an agent that removes the outer layers of skin, allowing the new growth of smoother, healthier and more youthful appearing skin.

The techniques used for resurfacing including a laser and certain medicines for chemical face peeling such as trichloroacetic acid for lighter peels or phenol mixture for deeper peels.

In general, these procedures are a relatively uncomplicated office or operating room procedure that can be done in less than 1 hour. The most important thing that we emphasize with all of our patients is that their involvement in post operative care of the wounds is critical to achieving a satisfactory healing course.

The following instructions are provided so that you, as a patient, are aware of your role and contributions necessary to ensure that your procedure goes smoothly.

General Care Instructions

• Most patients will received preoperative (before resurfacing) cream to reduce the chance of pigment changes after the procedure. Please be sure to apply this cream to all areas to be resurfaced for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• It is most important that you are well hydrated prior to the chemical face peeling procedure. Drinking 5 or 6 glasses (8 ounces) of water a day, up to 12 hours before the surgery, is most important.
• You should wash your face 4 - 5 times a day 2 days prior to the surgery with a mild soap. This will help to remove any debris or oils that can interfere with the uniformity of the peeling process.
• Any history of breakouts of cold sores, skin disorders or previous problems with scarring should be brought immediately to the attention of Dr. Mass and his staff, before any resurfacing procedure is performed. Although this has been discussed with you during your consultation with Dr. Maas, we must stress the importance of informing the staff if any such reactions or conditions exist.

Wound Care Instructions

• After the resurfacing procedure, the area will become quite swollen within a day or so. The area will become quite reddened and be sensitive. There is discomfort associated with this phase of the process, and pain medications are provided to alleviate the discomfort.
• Keep a generous amount of petrolatum (Vaseline) applied to all areas that have been peeled. This keeps the area moist, soothes the skin irritation and helps with healing. or...
• Some patients will receive an occlusion dressing that will be removed 1 - 3 weeks after surgery. Follow the staff instructions on how to care for this dressing.
• If you do not receive an occlusive dressing or after it's removed you should begin showering or splashing the area with a gentle stream of water on your face 4 -5 times a day. This will allow gentle removal of the soft crusting that occurs as the facial area begins to heal. Do not pick at the soft crusts or scabs or manipulate them in any way. Allow the gentle water shower to wash these away and the application of petrolatum ointment to keep the area soft.
• On the 7th day most of the crusting will disappear and the new skin will appear. This skin is very sensitive and red to pink. This is normal.
• It is most important that you do not allow any sun exposure during this healing phase, and for 1 month after surgery. Sun exposure may result in unpredictable pigmentation (skin coloring) changes to the skin during this critical time period.
• Within 10 -12 days, makeup may be used to cover the peeled areas. This will help to blend any temporary patchy areas, and will make your skin look more natural durig the healing process. Remember, redness may last up to 3 - 6 months. Please be patient and take care of your new skin.
• After the initial month, sun exposure is still to be avoided but if outdoor activities are undertaken, generous amounts of a SPF 15 or greater sunscreen must be applied to the face.
• If any breakout of crusted lesions appear in or around the mouth (or anywhere on the face), other than the initial crusting, during the first 7 days of recovery, notify Dr. Maas and his staff immediately. Such lesions may represent an early cold sore type of breakout which must be treated medically.
• Facial resurfacing allows dramatic improvement in wrinkles of the face. It also may significantly reduce area of sun damaged skin. This procedure, however, does produce some discomfort for the first couple of weeks due to the sensitivity of the skin and the crusting over the face. It is essential, therefore, that each patient know and follow these general care and wound care instructions carefully.
• After about 2 weeks the doctor may restart the cream to decrease pigment changes and help healing. Ask the doctor if you have any questions.

Liposuction

After the procedure, you will have stitches at the incision sites, (behind the ears, and under your chin.) These remain in for 5 - 7 days. You will be asked to wear head-bands for the first week, 24-hrs/day. Then just at bed time for the second week.

Drinking generous amounts of fluids is important. Quiet rest is recommended the day of surgery. Later in the day, you may get up and about. Get up slowly from a sitting position of lying position for the first 48 hours to avoid sudden lightheadedness.

It is common to feel sore, and perhaps feel fatigued for the first few days. You may return to all normal activities within 48 hours of the procedure. We suggest you slowly resume your regular exercise, but avoid such sports which may injure your incision site under your chin. As always, use good common sense.

Take medication as prescribed. Avoid Aspirin.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office.

Thank you for your confidence in us.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENTS

PATIENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS

A Message From Dr. Maas