Absolute Cosmetic staff discussing face lifts and mini face lifts using a model of a human face.

Facelift Post-Operative Requirements

Explore Facelift Surgery

What to Expect After Your Facelift Procedure

Facelift surgery is a considered decision that involves not only surgical planning but also a structured and supported post-operative recovery. At Absolute Cosmetic, our team is committed to guiding you through each stage of the process, ensuring you receive professional care and clear information after your procedure.

This page outlines the key post-operative requirements, including care instructions, clinic contact information, and what to expect during your recovery period.

Need Help?

For any concerns post-surgery, please call us at:
(08) 9389 9099 during business hours

After-hours contact details will be provided on your post-op instruction sheet.

Immediate Post-Operative Care & Support

Facelift surgery is performed as a day procedure within our Health Department-licensed Class B Day Hospital in Nedlands. During your time in recovery, you will be monitored by our surgical team of Registered Nurses. They will oversee your vital signs, administer medications, provide wound care, and ensure you are stable and comfortable before discharge. You’ll also receive personalised instructions for managing your recovery at home.

All patients are discharged to their chosen caregiver on the same day once reviewed and cleared by the clinical team.

 

All patients are given a comprehensive post-operative care guide and an after-hours contact number. For your first night following surgery, this will include Dr Glenn Murray’s direct contact number, provided to ensure you feel supported during the initial recovery phase. This number may also be used for urgent post-operative concerns beyond regular clinic hours.

We encourage you to contact us promptly if you experience any of the following:

  • Persistent bleeding
  • Pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication
  • Fever or chills
  • Sudden swelling, redness, or discharge from surgical sites
  • Breathing difficulty or chest pain (please call 000 in an emergency)

Key Post-Operative Requirements

Rest & Activity

Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4 weeks. Keep your head elevated, including during sleep, and take short walks to promote circulation.

Dressings & Bandages

Keep dressings in place unless instructed. Attend all follow-up appointments for dressing changes and do not use creams unless approved.

Medications

Take your prescribed medications as directed. Avoid over-the-counter anti-inflammatories unless approved by your doctor.

Showering & Hair Washing

You may be asked to sponge bathe at first. Hair washing is usually allowed after your first review, and your nurse will advise.

Swelling & Bruising

Mild swelling and bruising are expected. Use cold compresses and avoid heat or direct sun exposure.

Final Results Take Time

Initial swelling can take weeks to settle. Final results may take a few months to become fully visible.

Follow-Up Appointments

You will be scheduled for multiple reviews during your recovery:

  • 24–48 hours post-op (nurse check)

  • 7–10 days post-op (suture removal if applicable)

  • 2–4 weeks post-op (doctor review)

  • Additional appointments as needed

If you cannot attend a scheduled review, please contact reception in advance to reschedule.

Psychological & Emotional Recovery

It is normal to experience a range of emotions after surgery, especially during the initial healing phase. You may feel self-conscious or tired, and that is expected. Our team is available to talk you through this adjustment and provide reassurance along the way.

If you experience ongoing distress, we encourage you to reach out to your GP or our clinical team for support.

Dr Glenn Murray

Commitment to Ongoing Surgical Care

Dr Glenn Murray is closely involved in every stage of the facelift journey, including post-operative care. With over 30 years of experience in cosmetic medicine, he works alongside our surgical team of Registered Nurses to ensure patients are monitored, reviewed, and supported throughout their recovery.

  • Comprehensive Follow-Up and Patient Access

    All patients receive scheduled clinical reviews, with follow-ups typically at 1 day, 1 week, and several points after surgery. Dr Murray provides his personal number for the first night post-op, allowing urgent concerns to be addressed outside normal hours where appropriate.

    This level of continuity reflects his commitment to patient care beyond the operating room, guided by current clinical standards and a focus on long-term outcomes.

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Dr. Glenn Murray (MED0001196978) Medical Director | MBBS | FRACGP | MIT AI (Health) Cert. (AHPRA Registration MED0001196978) Registered Medical Practitioner,... Specialist General Practitioner (specialist registration in general practice). General disclaimer: Patient outcomes can vary due to factors such as genetics, diet, age, exercise, lifestyle, weight, and overall health. It’s essential to understand that all invasive surgeries come with inherent risks and require a recovery period and specific care regimen. Detailed information regarding surgical risks and complications is available here, but it is advisable to conduct thorough research and obtain a second opinion to ensure you are able to make an informed decision. Please note that the information provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. For real patient images, please visit our Before and After page. Please be advised that surgical outcomes vary, from patient to patient, and comprehensive research is crucial before making any decisions. This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+.

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