Is a private nurse (in the hospital) needed for recovery after a facelift (with general anesthesia)?

Question

This would be a private muse who would be helping me at the hospital (overnight), not at home. My surgeon offers this to patients at an extra charge & I’m wondering if it is needed. I don’t want to risk not having proper medical care, but I’m also spending a huge amount for the procedure & would only want this if it is truly advised.

Michael Brucker, MD · Answer

I agree with the need for a private nurse with experience caring for plastic surgery patients for at least one night following a face lift or abdominoplasty.  These procedures involve drains and it is helpful to have an extra set of eyes on you to watch for any unusal bleeding or swelling during the first night.  While these complications are rare, it is in the patient's best interest to have professional post-operative care.  Also, if you have young children or pets at home, you would have a more restful night away from home.  I don't recommend that my patients stay overnight in a hospital, however, because you would be exposed to more antibiotic resistant germs.  This is my personal preference and your surgeon may have reasons for wanting you to stay at the hospital.

Myung Ju Lee, MD, PhD · Answer

Shortly after your facelift and general anesthesia, you will have to be hospitalized. During your hospitalization, whether it is a private nurse or a clinic provided one, you will need a medical assistant to oversee your condition for its safety.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

If you are having surgery in a hospital as opposed to a small overnight facility, a private medical professional would be recommended.  In this setting, you would be one of several patients assigned to the nurse.  You want to be sure that your needs, especially the specific postop instructions provided by your own surgeon are followed explicitly.  This would be difficult in a true hospital setting and you want to maximize your recovery.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear jellyb,If you can afford to have a nurse, it would be very beneficial to have oneThey can help show you and the ones taking care of you how to take care of the incisions and what to look forThere is a lot to know and see, and the nurse can help you with thatBest regards,
  
Dr. Nima
  
Member, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
  
Board Certified in Head and Neck Surgery

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

There is no hard and fast rule on this. It is a personal preference and depends on how many procedures will be preformed, your health and level of assistance you are expecting. I perform my surgeries at St Francisco Hospital in San Francisco and they are very good about providing the care that is needed without the need for hiring an additional person. Many patients go home after surgery. Out of town patients often stay at a nearby hotel and in this case without an adult there to coordinate medication, ambulatory assistance, I do require these patients to hire someone for a couple of days but it does not have to be a nurse. 
Hope this help!
Michael Kulick MD
San francisco, Ca

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

A recovery room nurse is usually standard practice immediately after general anesthesia.  However, almost all facelifts are outpatient procedures so overnight hospitalization is not necessary.  Once patients go home, its important not to be alone but a nurse is not necessary at home.  If you are staying in a hospital with a nurse, it sounds like an optional cost.  If you have no one to be with you at night, there are also home nurses who can assist you at night.  Its best to talk to your doctor about all your options.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Where you choose to recover and what type of medical staff (if any) are present vary widely between practices. Some of this will be related to what exactly is being done in your surgery. But it is equally related to surgeon preference and common practice. In my practice, it is rare that patients request an overnight nurse after a facelift. I see all the patients the morning after surgery, typically with a friend or family member. Best of luck and take care.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
In our practice, we usually follow this protocol:
If you are located relatively near to the physician's office, going home after your surgery is usually a satisfactory option if assistance is available. If you are more than an hour away, an overnight stay or a stay in a local hotel with assistance would be a better option, as a one day postoperative visit is usually necessary, and after one day, travel will be more easily tolerated after all traces of anesthetic have left your system. Your best caregiver would be someone you know and trust. The second best option would be an overnight stay in a facility with a professional caregiver who can provide personal care better than a nurse serving many patients on the floor.
However, as I do not know the details of your proposed procedure, there may be some variables of which I am unaware. It is best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

Michael Zenn, MD · Answer

If you will be staying at a hospital instead of home, a nurse or motivated family member would be worthwhile.  I think so because patients of mine who have decided to stay in the hospital get nurses caring for up to six patients, some sick patients and have many computer duties - and cannot give you the attention you need.  The best situation is to be at home with a caring person - hired or family/friend.  Then you are comfortable and have someone to fulfill your needs.Dr. Zenn

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we perform  All facelift procedures under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. We do not perform any facelift procedure in the hospital. A Nurse is not required, however a responsible adult is Required in case the patient should need to come back to the office for an emergency. Adding a hospital  stay and an additional nurse at a hospital is going to be very expensive.

Is a private nurse (in the hospital) needed for recovery after a facelift (with general anesthesia)?

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