While many facelift patients are excited to focus on the thought of their upcoming procedure and how they will look after, it is important to take time in advance to ensure that everything is in place for the best results possible.
When it comes to preparations, longtime providers of facelift surgery, such as New Jersey’s Dr. Mohit Sood, often provide their patients with lists recommending what they can do to get ready for the day of the surgery and the weeks and months to follow.
With that in mind, here are six plastic surgeon-recommended ways to prepare in advance of a facelift procedure.
Get Medical Evaluations and Lab Tests
Although a facelift is a cosmetic surgery designed to focus on aesthetics, it is important to remember that the second word in “cosmetic surgery” is “surgery.” This is a medical procedure that will require healing and recovery after. Plastic surgeons want to be sure their patients are healthy and free from particular risks that might complicate the procedure or jeopardize their safety.
To that end, a plastic surgeon will perform a thorough medical history and may order certain medical tests or lab work. Patients with a high BMI, elevated blood pressure, or a history of poor reactions to anesthetics may not be good candidates for a facelift.
Make Adjustments to Medications
In a similar vein, medical teams preparing a patient for a facelift may recommend that certain medications or supplements be avoided in the weeks prior to the procedure. Some drugs, such as those designed to thin the blood, can make excessive bleeding during and after the procedure more of a possibility. This can result in more discomfort, longer healing times, and significant side effects, such as bruising.
As long as a primary care physician agrees that it is safe to refrain from a medication on the “do not take before a facelift” list, patients should follow this instruction closely in order to maximize their safety and satisfaction.
Care for the Skin
Skin health is a significant factor when it comes to facelift results, so paying attention to the look and feel of your face’s outermost layer can be a key element of any preparation plans. Be sure to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet that includes lean proteins. Think of it as equipping your skin with the tools it needs to look and feel its best throughout the entire facelift process.
A given plastic surgeon may have specific product recommendations designed to prepare your skin for the incisions and work to come, as well as the recovery time after.
Avoid Damaging Lifestyle Habits
Smoking is terrible for the skin. The ingredients in a cigarette and other tobacco products cause harm, break down important proteins, restrict blood flow, and more. All of this is bad news for anyone who wants to enjoy the best results possible from a facelift. The best thing to do is to stop smoking for good, but if that is too daunting of a task, the habit needs to go on hold for at least several weeks before and after the procedure.
Similarly, alcohol consumption is not good for a person’s appearance or health, as it dries out the skin and causes vessels to constrict, keeping blood from getting to where it needs to go. When it comes time for healing, patients will want all of their body’s systems working at their peak in order to keep recovery time short, risk of complications low, and visible signs of the surgery as unobtrusive as possible.
Take a Positive Outlook
The mind-body connection is a strong one. Patients who go into their surgery with a good understanding of what it going to happen and confidence in their choice tend to fare better in the long run. These patients are happier with their results and can even enjoy shorter healing times.
Nobody needs negativity, especially when a facelift is on the horizon. Prior to any surgical work, take some time to focus on the positives to come—and get answers to any questions that may be lingering in regard to the surgery, the surgeon, the healing process, and more.
Get Your Home Ready in Advance
The days after a facelift are not when you should be figuring out what you should be having for dinner or where you will rest as your body heals. Take advantage of your able body before the procedure and set up a recovery center for yourself. Stock up on nutritious foods you enjoy, be sure you have access to plenty of hydrating drinks, create a clean and safe areas where you can heal, invite family and friends to help with your recovery (especially in the days immediately after your surgery), and gather any books, movies, or other activities you might want to access.
This is also an excellent time to do some meal prep—or hit up your support network for some delivery gift cards. Staying calm and low-key will make a huge difference.
There is a reason “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” became a popular saying: It’s true! Remembering that truth while getting ready for a facelift can pay off in many ways—small and large—in the days, weeks, and months after the procedure.