How Long/How Important Facelift Compression Garment?

The need for and use of FaceliftDressings is an excellent question and has even recently been the topic of some controversy and discussion amongst experts panels.  Historically, compression dressing were used  to provide some level of "compression" ostensibly to reduce the incidence of blood vessel leakage causing bruising and/or collection under the skin known as a lhematoma.  Expanding or large hematomas require surgical drainage and should be infrequent in incidence.  With the advent of smaller and better designed "drains" many surgeons feel the little need for "compression dressings" which have the disadvantage of also compressing the small vessels that supply nourishment for the the elevated skin and when improperly applied with pressure around the neck can actually increase swellingWith these concepts in mind it is true that compression dressing are not necessary and probably are a disadvantage as it relates to optimal blood flow.  In most cases, I employ small drains to reduce bruising overnight.  These are gently and comfortably removed the next day AND I use a very light and comfortable wrap dressing to keep the face clean and very gently compressed vertically (not around the neck) which in my experience reduces swelling.  They are removed the day after surgery and custom "terricloth" headbands are provided for cleanliness and gentle support that we recommend using daily for the first week and at night during the next 7 days to complete recovery.  The short answer is no dressings are not necessary but hopefully this provides better guidance as all surgeons should have a logical and thoughtful approach to post operative dressings and care.

If you were my patient, I would immediately bring you in to fit you properly with the right amount of compression. The proper compression is key to ensuring a good result. Patients should not guess this on their own, since they are not trained in medicine. I would immediately reach out to your surgeon to meet with him or her, or even the Physician’s Assistant or a nurse in the office could help. Our purpose is to help patients, so I can not imagine that your surgeon would not give you an immediate appointment.

I personally do not believe that these garments provide anything of value after a facelift. The initial bandage is removed after 1 days and then a small dressing for 2 days. That is our protocol.

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has their personal preferences. Some use no compression. Some have you wear a garment for up to six weeks at night. Total healing can take a year or more. Follow your surgeons regime. He wants you to get a great result as well.

This is a great question and highly debatable. Most surgeons would agree that the first 48 hours are most critical for a compression garment. Depending on what surgery you had performed can dictate the time frame for the compression. Usually, the compression is not needed after 2 weeks.

The short answer is no, it should not affect your long term outcome this far out after surgery. These tend to help for the first 10 days or so but are then of negligible value. Be sure to talk to your doc before discontinuing any treatment and get their input.
All the Best,
Dr. J