Now that you’ve chosen an experienced plastic surgeon and set a date for your facelift, you might be wondering how you should prepare for your facelift surgery. While your plastic surgeon should be able to answer any specific questions you might have, these five dos and don’ts of facelift prep can be a good place to start.
DO Have Realistic Expectations
Although you’re probably excited about seeing your facelift results, it’s important that you’re able to maintain realistic expectations. First, remember that a facelift isn’t going to drastically change your appearance. In fact, most people won’t be able to put their finger on what’s different about you, only that you look revitalized and refreshed. But this reaction is the true mark of a successful facelift, as you don’t want to look fake or “done.”
Secondly, keep in mind that you’re not going to see your final outcome immediately, so be prepared to go through the recovery process with an open mind and some patience.
DON’T Smoke
Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before and after your facelift.
As if you needed yet another reason to quit smoking, this habit can significantly hinder your body’s ability to heal after surgery and could increase your risk of complications during your procedure. Check with your plastic surgeon about his or her recommendations on how far in advance to quit smoking before your facelift. The general recommendation is to stop smoking at least four weeks before and for four weeks after your surgery.
DO Be Transparent about Medications
Your plastic surgeon should ask you about any medications that you’re currently taking. It’s best to be as transparent and honest with him or her when going over this information to ensure your safety and to help you get the best facelift results.
Don’t forget that vitamins and herbal supplements also count as regular medications, as some can act as blood thinners and should therefore not be taken before surgery. Just some of the medications and supplements that you’ll need to stop taking several weeks before your facelift include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Vitamin E
- Coenzyme Q-10
- Saint John’s wort
DON’T Shortcut the Recovery Process
As tempting as it may be to try to jump right back into your normal routine after your facelift, you really need to take some time off to do nothing but rest and heal. At the end of the day, rushing your recovery will only increase the likelihood of complications and slow your body’s healing process.
The facelift recovery process will vary from person to person, but generally speaking, you should be able to cover up most signs of facelift surgery with makeup within about 10 days after your procedure. Still, plan to take 1 to 2 weeks off work and avoid very strenuous physical activities for about 3 weeks.
Before heading back to work or an intense workout schedule, check in with your plastic surgeon to make sure your body is up to it and that you’re on the right track towards a smooth recovery.
DO Plan Ahead
You can make the recovery process as stress-free as possible by doing a bit of easy prep work ahead of time. First, do your research. Reading up on facelift facts before your procedure will help you know more about what to expect.
Nex, make sure you have another adult around who can help you with daily household duties like laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and pet care.
Finally,make yourself a relaxing recovery zone, complete with pillows, blankets, movies, books, crossword puzzles and other entertainment to keep you busy while you recuperate.
At Pacifica Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel G. Kolder, M.D. has established one of the most reputable plastic surgery practices in Southern California. The practice draws patients from Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and all of Ventura County.
