If you’ve decided to have a facelift, making adequate preparations will help minimize anxiety as surgery day approaches. A facelift can turn back the clock and restore a more youthful appearance. But if you want to get the quality results you desire, you should take steps to make sure you are thoroughly prepared for your facelift.
What Is A Facelift?
A facelift or rhytidectomy is a procedure that reduces signs of aging on the face and neck. It smooths lines around the nose and the corner of the mouth, reduces jowls, and tightens loose skin on the face and upper neck.
How Should I Prepare for My Facelift?
Although getting natural beautiful-looking facelift results is every patient’s goal, it is crucial to take steps to safeguard your health during and after surgery.
Here are 5 important prep steps you need to take before a facelift:
- Stop Smoking And Drinking Alcohol
Cigarettes and alcohol can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. These products should also be avoided after surgery, as they can cause complications and impair healing. Consequently, doctors typically advise patients undergoing surgery to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol at least 72 hours before and the procedure.
- Avoid Certain Medications And Herbal Supplements
You should stop using aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements before surgery, as they can increase the risk of complications during the operation. Herbal supplements have immense health benefits, but when it comes to elective surgery, they can cause adverse effects. Herbal supplements can react with anesthesia, increase blood pressure, and thin the blood. During the pre-operative consultation, it is crucial to let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know the medications and supplements you are taking.
- Get Lab Tests And A Medical Evaluation
Your surgeon will ask you to get lab work done about 2 weeks out from surgery. These tests help identify problems that could complicate surgery and determine if you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. The surgeon will also review your medical records and general health to assess your readiness for surgery.
- Take Care Of Your Skin
Before facelift surgery, you should adopt a comprehensive skincare regimen to promote optimal skin health. This should include daily cleansing to get rid of dirt and other pollutants, and exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and allow new, healthy skin to emerge. Moisturizing regularly and using sunscreen should be done to protect your skin. It’s also essential to take care of your skin after surgery, as this will accelerate healing and help maintain the results.
- Prepare Your Home For Recovery
Arrange to have someone stay with you at home for the first few days after surgery to assist with household chores. Set up a comfortable space that includes all your aftercare essentials, where you can rest and recover. Stock the pantry with fresh, healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, which will help the healing process. Also, be sure to meal prep so that you don’t have to cook during the initial recovery period.
Before your facelift surgery, it will be beneficial to focus on taking care of your body and making plans to ensure recovery goes as expected. It’s also a good idea to fill pain prescriptions early so the medication will be available when you arrive home after surgery. In addition, ask a friend or family member to take you to the operation and drive you home.
During your facelift surgery consultation, your surgeon will give you instructions about the preparations needed to get ready for surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions closely so that the operation goes as smoothly as possible.
