Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures of the face don’t typically require a lot of dressings or care. Patience, maybe, but not a lot of dressings. The primary issue with cosmetic surgical procedures of the face, eyes, nose, and ears is visibility. The fact that you’ve undergone surgery will be noticeable to other people for about 3 or 4 weeks.
Look at the sections listed below for the procedure(s) that you will be undergoing. We have listed commonly known brand names in italics. Generic and store brands may be just as effective and are certainly less expensive. Fort those who like to purchase products online, many of the items listed below include links to where they may be found on Amazon.
Please also look at the last section listed; it has some supplies that may be helpful with all facial procedures.
Recommended Supplies For Facelift Surgery
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic)
- Cool packs (frozen peas actually work great!; any type of cool pack works well)
- Baby shampoo. You'll have a couple of bad hair days after your surgery. Usually you can begin shampooing on the second or third day.
- Arnica. This may help with bruisinig.
Recommended Supplies For Cosmetic Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Surgery
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic)
- Cool packs (frozen peas actually work great!; any type of cool pack works well)
- Eyedrops to keep the eyes from becoming dry
- Arnica. May help with bruising.
Recommended Supplies For Cosmetic Nasal (Rhinoplasty) Surgery
- Cool packs to apply to the cheeks (small ice packs for instance)
Recommended Supplies For Otoplasty Surgery
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic)
Other Recommended Supplies For Cosmetic Facial Surgery
There are a few other things you might consider to help ease you through the first few days after your surgery.
- Non-prescription medication to help with swelling and discomfort: naproxen (Aleve) OR ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- A laxative (polyethylene glycol; MiraLAX)
- Mild soap (Dove, Ivory, Cetaphil, baby wash)
- Mild shampoo (baby shampoo; nothing with a heavy scent)
- Probiotics (either yogurt, smoothies, or tablets; Activia, Yoplait Plus)
- Arnica. Either topical cream or tablets. This may help minimize bruising.
- Clear drinks with sugar (not diet drinks, not artificial sweeteners). Examples include Sprite, Gatorade, cranberry juice, apple juice, ginger ale. These are great for the first evening.
- Light soup. Something like chicken noodle soup or bone broth provide some nutrition on the first evening without making people feel nauseated.
