Face > Facelift > Preparing for Surgery

Facelift

What is a facelift | About the procedure | Preparing for surgery | The scoop on scars | Risks and recovery | Suspension and mini-lifts | Post-op healing

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

If you are generally in good health and want to look as happy and young on the outside as you feel on the inside, you may be a good candidate for a facelift. But first, you need to understand that for all the money you invest in it, you need to devote just as much time to preparing and recovering from surgery. For optimal results, your lifestyle will have to include maintenance of your health in addition to a sense of well-being.

1 to 3 months before your facelift:

Get your skin in good shape. This may mean a course of a topical retinoid like Renova or Avage to improve skin texture before surgery. Your plastic surgeon may also recommend facial treatments such as microdermabrasion or limited chemical peels and definitely no sun. You must stop smoking a minimum of three weeks before and after facelift surgery. There is no point in undergoing surgery if you have been smoking and risk poor healing and bad scars.

2 to 4 weeks before your facelift:

You will need medical clearance from your primary physician and blood work to assess your health and uncover any possible underlying conditions that could compromise recovery.

1 to 2 weeks before your facelift:

Avoid taking anti-inflammatories, aspirin and certain herbs and vitamins. Taking certain medications, vitamin E or herbal supplements can significantly increase bleeding and put you at risk. In addition, your doctor may prescribe some medications or supplements that you should take. You will visit your plastic surgeon for preoperative photographs and to sign informed consent documents within two weeks prior to your facelift surgery. These documents spell out the exact procedure you will have, what to expect, instructions you need to follow and all the possible risks you face. If you color your hair, do it now—you will have to wait another four weeks otherwise. Purchase any camouflage cosmetics prior to surgery, so that you have them ready to use.

The day before your facelift surgery:

Eat well, but only mild food. Avoid anything spicy, rich or greasy. Pack a bag, and be sure to include comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that you don't need to pull over your head, and a hat or scarf to wear on the way home. Wash your hair well and don't apply any styling products.