Washing, Showering
& Makeup

Until stitches are removed, clean the non-surgical parts of your face with a damp towel.

Once the tape or stitches on your face are gone, you're good to go!

You can brush your teeth from the day after the surgery.

As for brushing your teeth, you can start the day after surgery—just be gentle and use a small toothbrush.
We recommend using the prescribed hexamidine solution, diluted with water in a 7:3 ratio, for rinsing.
Always rinse after eating and aim to do so gently every 3-4 hours.

Sensations & Healing

Touching the surgical area or taking a knock can result in some unscheduled bleeding or bruising.

Try to avoid any actions that put pressure on your face, like straining, coughing, or bowing your head.
Avoid putting any strain on your face—this includes exerting effort while vomiting or using the bathroom, as well as coughing, sneezing, and nodding.

You might feel some numbness in your cheeks, lips, or teeth.

But fear not! This usually improves on its own, sometimes as quickly as 1–2 months, or up to a year at most.

Managing Swelling

Post-surgery, swelling can travel downward-even to your neck.

While it may look uneven at first, once the swelling subsides, you'll be back to your symmetrical self.

Please apply hot/cold compresses after surgery at an appropriate time.

For the first 72 hours, opt for a cold compress.
This helps prevent bleeding and reduce swelling.
After day four, switch to a warm compress to further manage swelling. But beware of frostbite or burns, as your face will be less sensitive.

Mealtime

Days 1–7

Stick to soupy rice dishes (porridge), and don't even think about using a straw.

Week 2–4 (or 6 for Jaw Surgery)

Transition to regular meals but keep it soft and easy to chew. Avoid hard and chewy foods.

※ Skip these eats: meat (except finely chopped), spicy radish, pickled vegetables (cut kimchi and pickles small if you must eat them), squid, fish jerky, rice cakes, gum, candy, nuts, etc.

Face Band How-To

Wear it for the first 3 days post-op.

Don't stress about keeping it super tight or wearing it 24/7.

From day 4 to a week, go band-free and let it air out.

For weeks 1–4, sporadically wear the band.

It can help skin tightening but isn't a must (especially after jaw surgery).

Cheekbone Surgery
Add-Ons

For those who get cheekbone surgery, heed these tips.

Hold off on nose-blowing or wide-mouth yawning (wider than three fingers) for 6 weeks. A natural yawn now and then is okay to prevent jaw joint adhesion.
Also, if the dressing on the surgical cut gets wet, swap it out with a new band.