What to Buy Before a Facelift: Recovery Essentials for NYC Patients
Preparing for a facelift can feel overwhelming, but having the right supplies ready at home can make your recovery significantly smoother. Many patients focus on the surgery itself and forget that the first week of healing requires a few simple items that make a big difference in comfort, cleanliness, and swelling management.
As an occupational therapist specializing in post-surgical recovery, I often help patients prepare their home environment before surgery. Below is a practical list of facelift recovery supplies I recommend patients, especially those in New York City, have ready before their procedure.
1. Disposable Bed Pads (Chucks)
Disposable bed pads, often called chucks, are one of the most useful items to have after facial surgery.
During facelift recovery, patients often apply ointments, experience minor drainage, or sleep with cool compresses. Chucks protect your pillows and bedding from ointments like Aquaphor, small amounts of drainage, or moisture from ice packs.
They are also helpful when sleeping with your head elevated, since ointments can easily transfer to pillowcases during the night.
I use these chucks because they cover the entire pillow without taking up the whole bed.
2. Chlorhexidine Wipes
While some surgeons allow showering after 24-48 hours, many recommend waiting until day 3 or 4 to ensure incisions are sealed. Chlorhexidine wipes (CHG wipes) bathing wipes can help you stay clean and comfortable during that initial period when showering may not yet be recommended.
Chlorhexidine wipes are designed to gently cleanse the skin and reduce bacteria on the body without needing to rinse with water. This can be especially helpful for freshening up areas like the arms, chest, and back while you’re focusing on keeping the face and neck dry and protected.
Also, many surgeons recommend cleansing the skin with chlorhexidine wipes the night before or morning of surgery.
These wipes help reduce bacteria on the skin and lower the risk of infection before surgery. Some surgical practices provide them, but it is helpful to confirm ahead of time so you can purchase them if needed.
Always follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding timing and use.
These are the ones I use, and are used by hospital systems I have worked for in the past.
3. Arnica Cream
Arnica cream is commonly used to help reduce bruising and swelling after surgery.
While it should never be applied directly to incision sites unless cleared by your surgeon, many patients find that it can help improve the appearance of bruising in surrounding areas during the early stages of facelift recovery.
This is the brand I use on patients, who often report purchasing it on their own, because of its evidence from clinical trials. Use code “SWELLSOOTHE” at check out for a discount.
4. Aquaphor
Aquaphor is a staple in most post-surgical recovery plans. I often prefer Aquaphor over Vaseline because it tends to stay in place better and doesn’t melt or slide off the skin as easily when applied generously.
This ointment creates a protective barrier that keeps incision sites moist, which is important for proper healing. Maintaining a moist environment helps support healthy skin regeneration and can reduce scabbing along incision lines.
Your surgeon will tell you when it is appropriate to begin applying ointments to your incisions.
Here is the one I use. I prefer the squeeze bottle to the tub because it is more hygienic (which is extra important when you are healing).
5. Eucerin Original Healing: Extra Dry Compromised Skin
While Aquaphor is used for incision sites, the surrounding skin often becomes dry or tight during recovery. Eucerin Original Healing for Extra Dry Compromised Skin is a good option because it’s fragrance-free, gentle, and designed for very dry or sensitive skin.
Unlike many cosmetic moisturizers, it doesn’t contain active ingredients that could irritate healing skin. It provides deep hydration to the surrounding areas of the face and neck while keeping the routine simple during early recovery.
Another benefit is that Eucerin tends to absorb well without leaving the skin overly greasy, making it practical for daily use while still providing substantial hydration.
Here is the pump bottle that I have purchased time and time again.
6. Gel Ice Packs or Cold Compresses
Cold therapy can help manage swelling during the first few days after surgery.
Soft gel ice packs that contour around the face and neck are ideal. Always wrap them in a cloth or towel and follow your surgeon’s instructions for timing and frequency.
Managing swelling early can improve comfort and support the healing process.
This option can be used when sleeping.
This option can be used during the day.
7. Extra Pillows or a Wedge Pillow
Keeping your head elevated is one of the most important parts of facelift recovery.
Elevation helps reduce swelling and encourages proper fluid drainage from the face and neck. Many patients find that a wedge pillow or several supportive pillows make it easier to maintain a comfortable elevated sleeping position.
I like this option because it is adjustable.
8. Button-Up or Zip-Up Clothing
After surgery, it is best to avoid clothing that needs to be pulled over your head.
Loose button-up shirts or zip-up hoodies make dressing much easier without disturbing the face, neck, or incision areas.
A button-up nightgown or robe can also be especially helpful in the first few days, as it allows you to get dressed without bending forward, which helps avoid unnecessary strain while you’re healing.
Here is a casual daytime option so that you don’t risk getting fluids on your favorite blouse.
Here is a comfortable sleeping option.
9. 4 x 4 Sterile Gauze Pads
Having 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads at home can be helpful for gently blotting small amounts of drainage or protecting incision sites if recommended by your surgeon. Unlike paper towels, gauze does not shed fibers or stick to healing skin, which helps prevent irritation around delicate incision sites.
Even after drains are removed, some patients experience minor drainage for a few days.
10. Safety Pins for Surgical Drains
If your procedure involves surgical drains, having a few large safety pins at home can be very helpful. Many patients use them to pin the drain bulbs to their clothing so the tubing isn’t pulling on the incision area.
Securing the drains to a loose shirt, button-up pajama top, or surgical garment helps keep them supported and prevents uncomfortable tugging when you move around. It’s a simple but practical way to make managing drains during the first week of recovery much easier.
Here is a link to purchase some, incase you don’t have them hiding in the back of a drawer.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide (If Recommended by Your Surgeon)
Some surgeons recommend hydrogen peroxide for short-term incision care, particularly during the first few days after surgery if there is dried blood or crusting along the incision line.
Hydrogen peroxide can help loosen dried drainage and keep the incision area clean when used gently with gauze or a cotton applicator. This can make it easier to remove debris without rubbing or irritating healing tissue.
However, it’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide should not be used long-term on healing wounds. Prolonged use can slow healing by irritating healthy tissue.
If your surgeon recommends it, hydrogen peroxide is typically used briefly in the early recovery phase, after which patients transition to simple ointments such as Aquaphor to keep the incision moisturized.
Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions for incision care.
Here is a link to the one I use.
12. Slip-On Shoes
Many NYC buildings have stairs or require walking to elevators, lobbies, or car services. After surgery, bending down to tie shoes can be uncomfortable and unadvisable.
A pair of comfortable slip-on shoes makes getting in and out of the apartment for follow-up appointments much easier.
Here is a trendy option that is easy to slip on.
13. A Doorman or Building Contact Plan
If you live in a building with a doorman or concierge, it can be helpful to let them know you are recovering from surgery and may have deliveries coming more frequently.
This can make it easier to receive groceries, medications, or supplies without needing to go up and down multiple times.
14. Grocery or Meal Delivery Set Up in Advance
Many NYC patients rely on Instacart, FreshDirect, or other grocery delivery services during the first week after surgery.
Setting this up before your procedure can make recovery much easier, especially if you live in a walk-up building or prefer to avoid crowded grocery stores while healing.
Having easy meals and hydration options available helps you focus on rest and recovery.
15. Preparing Your Recovery Space
Before surgery, take a little time to organize a comfortable recovery space with your supplies within easy reach. Preparing your environment ahead of time can make the first several days of healing much easier.
Facelift recovery involves swelling management, scar care, and proper lymphatic support. Having the right supplies ready allows you to focus on resting and healing.
What You Don’t Need After a Facelift
When patients start preparing for surgery, it’s easy to fall into the rabbit hole of online recommendations. Social media and recovery blogs often suggest dozens of products, many of which simply aren’t necessary.
In most cases, recovery after a facelift is much simpler than the internet makes it seem.
Here are a few things patients commonly ask me about that are usually not necessary.
Fancy Scar Creams (At First)
Many patients rush to buy expensive scar creams before surgery. In reality, most surgeons initially recommend simple ointments like Aquaphor while incisions are healing.
Scar-specific products usually aren’t introduced until several weeks later, once the incisions are fully closed and early healing has occurred.
In the early phase, keeping the incision clean and moist is far more important than specialty scar products.
Facial Rollers and Gua Sha Tools
These tools are extremely popular online, but they are not appropriate immediately after facial surgery.
The tissues of the face and neck are healing and adjusting after a facelift. Applying pressure with rollers or gua sha tools too early can irritate the tissues or disrupt the healing process.
If lymphatic drainage is needed during recovery, it should be performed by a trained professional familiar with post-surgical care.
Overly Complicated Skin Care
Patients often assume they need an entirely new skincare routine after surgery.
In reality, gentle, simple products are best while your skin heals. Fragrance-free moisturizers like Eucerin and basic ointments like Aquaphor are usually sufficient in the early recovery period.
Avoid introducing strong active ingredients such as retinol, exfoliating acids, or harsh treatments until your surgeon clears you to resume them.
Multiple Compression Garments
Your surgeon will provide or recommend the specific compression garment you should wear after surgery.
Buying additional facial compression wraps online is usually unnecessary and may even apply pressure in the wrong areas.
It’s best to stick with the garment recommended by your surgical team.
A Simpler Recovery Is Usually the Best One
One of the biggest misconceptions about facelift recovery is that it requires an extensive list of products. In reality, a small number of thoughtful supplies and good post-operative guidance go a long way.
The most important factors in healing are:
Following your surgeon’s instructions
Managing swelling appropriately and proactively
Protecting incision sites
Allowing your body time to recover
Expert Support During Facelift Recovery
Many patients benefit from professional support during recovery to help manage swelling, scar tissue, and lymphatic drainage.
Working with a specialist trained in post-surgical recovery can help optimize healing and make the recovery process more comfortable.
Click here to learn more: Post-Op Support for Surgical Procedures
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