How to Prepare for Facelift Surgery

The preparation period for facelift surgery is an exciting time! You have probably been dreaming of the experience for months (or even years) and are anxious to enjoy your results. At South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we find that the more prepared the patient, the better their experience. Here, we share our top tips for how to prepare for facelift surgery.

Complete Lab Work

We may request that you have certain testing or bloodwork performed prior to surgery. These tests may be performed in our office or at a local laboratory. If you have the work done at a lab, follow up with us and make sure we have received the results. Without this information, we may have to delay your operation. Also, we may request your medical records from your other doctors. Please help us expedite this process by informing your doctors and keeping us in the loop.

Stop Taking Aspirin (and Possibly Other Medications)

Aspirin, other anti-inflammatory medications, diet pills and other vitamins can cause excessive bleeding, interfere with anesthesia, raise your blood pressure and lead to other complications during and after surgery. We will provide you with a list of medications, vitamins and supplements to stop taking two weeks prior to surgery. This list includes Advil, Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort and fish oil.

Eat Clean

Hopefully you are already following a healthy diet. If not, pay attention to what you eat. Try to get a good amount of protein, iron, nutrients and fat. Avoid salty foods, which can make you retain water and swell. Don’t restrict yourself — you are trying to fuel your body — and don’t drink excessively.

Get Close to Your Optimal Weight

We recommend you get as close to your ideal weight as possible prior to surgery. With less weight on the face, the skin can be pulled more efficiently. Also note that losing a substantial amount of weight after surgery can “deflate” the face, causing it to look sallow and aged (reversing your results).

Go Shopping

Make a list of the supplies to have at home during your recovery. Some essentials include ice packs, wet wipes, antibiotic ointment, flexible straws and easy meals and snacks. Make sure you have plenty of loose, comfortable clothing that zips or buttons up in the front (use old clothing or don’t spend too much money in case the clothing stains or stretches).

Fill Your Prescriptions

You will have several prescriptions to take after surgery. Filling them ahead of time prevents you from having to make a stop on your way home from surgery; it also gives you time to double-check that everything is correct and ask questions if something is unclear.

Prep Your Space

Arrange a space in which to recover. Most people choose their bed or a comfortable recliner in the living room. Set out your recovery essentials. Stock up on entertainment options (e.g., Netflix, books, magazines) to keep you occupied. Pull out some extra blankets and big pillows to help you get into a comfortable position.

Contact Us with Questions

If you have questions about preparing for facelift or another cosmetic surgical operation, our team is only a phone call away! Call us at (954) 565-7575 today.