Post-Operative Instructions: Facial Cosmetic Treatment

Exterior of building with Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery sign outside at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery in Charlotte, NC.

IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVING HOME

•	Lie down with your head elevated with 2 pillows (you will want to sleep/rest like this for one week).
•	If bandages were placed, do not remove them. These will be removed at your first post-operative visit.
•	Place cold compresses over the cheeks for the first day (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off). If you had eyelid surgery, then soak gauze in cold saline and place on closed eyes on and off throughout the first day.
•	Take pain medication if needed. (Make sure you eat something before taking any prescriptions.)
•	It is important to just rest the day of surgery. The less active the better!

THE DAY AFTER SURGERY & WEEKS TO COME

•	Activity: Stay in an upright position as much as possible. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects (nothing heavier than a gallon of milk) for 1 week. Strenuous activities should be limited for 2 to 3 weeks.
•	Makeup: Cosmetics can be applied after the first week following your procedure. We recommend something light like Bare Minerals. Also a helpful hint: A green cover up, followed by a skin-toned cover up, hides bruising.
•	Bathing: You may bathe; however, it is important to keep bandages/surgical areas dry for the first 72 hours.
•	Apparel: Avoid any kind of clothing that pulls tightly over your head as this can disturb the surgical areas.
•	Diet: Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids is very important for the healing process.
•	Sun: Protect your facial skin from excessive sun exposure for one month after your surgery.
•	Work: Most people plan to return back to work after two weeks. At this point makeup can be used to cover any bruising that may still be visible.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of our offices.

Request an Appointment

Pineville

10042 Park Cedar Dr, Suite B
Charlotte, NC 28210

(980) 332-7991

Gastonia

527 S New Hope Rd
Gastonia, NC 28054

(980) 448-3144

Steele Creek

10935 Winds Crossing Dr, Suite 400
Charlotte, NC 28273

(980) 332-7990

Facial Contouring Post Operative Instructions | Charlotte NC
To request a consultation and learn more about facial contouring, call to schedule an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your smile!
Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, 10935 Winds Crossing Dr. Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28273 + (980) 332-7990 + greatercharlotteoralsurgery.com + 12/31/2025 + Related Terms: dental implants Charlotte NC +