What is suture care after mini face lift?

Question

I had mini facelift with SMAS. Sutured in front of ear around lower lobe. Doctor did not tell me to apply any type of antibiotic cream or Vaseline. Had sutures removed except for dissolvable. Some crusting around sutures. No after care instructions. Should I have been applying anything to sutures or after removal?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Typically, an antibiotic ointment is recommended on all the incisions until after they heal whereupon a scar cream with silicone gel and gentle massage is recommended.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

With this
#cosmeticsurgery patients usually feel some tightness, firmness under the skin,
and moderate swelling & bruising during the first week. Most patients having
a modified #facelift feel comfortable being out in public shortly thereafter,
sometimes after a few days. It’s best to allow one to two weeks for healing
from your #plasticsurgery. We use dissolving incisions that do not need to be
removed. They are cleaned three times a day

WHAT ARE
THE SCARS LIKE?

When you
have a #facelift, well placed incisions which are well planned and hidden, along
with lifting without tension will help #minilifts, #litelifts and other
#facelifts heal when performing these types of #cosmeticsurgeries.
Limited scar incision and proper care after
sugery help.  Topical scar creams and laser as needed can all help create
incisions that are hard to see.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

Typically our patients are asked to cleanse their incision lines with a half peroxide/half water mixture daily for the first week after surgery.  This will help to eliminate any crusting and keep the incision lines clean.  Patients will then coat their incision lines with an antibiotic ointment which will provide a moist environment for optimal wound healing.  Every surgeon is different with regards to postoperative care, and I would suggest you discuss specific care with your operating surgeon.  Good Luck.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

After a mini facelfit, I have patients clean the sutures 1-2 times a day with q tips and 1/2 strength hydrogen peroxide for the first week.  After cleaning, ointment is applied to keep incision moist. I will use antibiotic ointment for the first 3 days after surgery, then I will have them use vaseline.  Sutures are removed 1 week after a mini facelift and vaseline is applies for one more week.  2 weeks after surgery I have patients start using a scar cream to help create the ideal result.I hope this helps.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Each doctor has their own specific regimen they wish for their patients to use.  Certainly, a scar cream, available over the counter in most pharmacies, might be beneficial.  But it would be best to check with your surgeon to verify that this is what he wants for you to do.

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

It sounds like you probably have some dissolvable sutures around your earlobe and behind it into the lower crease behind the ear.  Typically I advise patients to keep the stitches moist with either bacitracin OINTMENT (not cream) or vasoline.  Bacitracin is better tolerated since it causes less irritation then neosporin (although it still can do this).  I would recommend keeping the sutures moist 2x daily so long as you skin doesn't get irritated.  For my patients, I have them start to wash aggressively around these sutures after two weeks to help break them up and fade faster.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern, but it seems that your recovery is progressing well, as your sutures have all been removed and there do not appear to be any problems, as crusting is normal. Surgeons differ somewhat regarding post op care, and since your surgeon is most familiar with your case, call, and express your concerns and press for more explicit postop instructions, especially scar care. Good Luck!

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

After the sutures are removed, I generally recommend that patients keep antibiotic ointment (petroleum based) or Vaseline on the suture lines for a week.   This is simply to promote a moist healing environment.   After 5-7 days, I generally change patients to aggressively massaging the incisions and using sunscreen.   At 3 -4 weeks, we traditionally start BBL treatment to lessen any redness of the scars.  Best to you on your continued recovery.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Surgeons will give different recommendations about local care of their facelifts. Consult your physician and ask them directly for post-operative instructions of the incision. Many of us have written up instruction for our patients.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

What is suture care after mini face lift?

Answers (9)

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