Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that helps you regain a youthful appearance and confidence. To ensure the surgery is safe and recovery is effective, it is essential to prepare for a facelift carefully. Here are the important steps you need to take to prepare for a facelift.
Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the habits that most negatively affect surgery and recovery. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the skin. This not only slows wound healing but also increases the risk of infection, skin necrosis, and unsightly scars.
Therefore, surgeons usually require you to stop smoking completely at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after surgery. This is a mandatory step that you must follow strictly to ensure safety and the best results before undergoing a facelift.
Stop taking any medication as advised by your surgeon
Some medications and supplements can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after surgery. Therefore, doctors usually ask you to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), at least two weeks before surgery.
In addition, some herbs and supplements, such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginger, garlic, ginkgo, and others, can also affect blood clotting. Therefore, besides the medications listed above, make sure to inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements you are taking. Your doctor can give specific advice and may ask you to stop using some of them for a period of time.
Plan for a ride home
After a facelift, you will need a trusted person to take you home. The effects of anesthesia and post-surgery discomfort make it unsafe to drive yourself. Therefore, before your facelift, ask a family member or close friend to take you home after discharge. In addition, prepare a small bag with loose, comfortable clothes that have buttons or zippers at the front for easy dressing at home.
Arrive with a completely clean face
Before the facelift procedure, the doctor will clean your face and neck, so you can rest assured that you will go home with a clean face. In addition, to prevent infection and ensure the procedure goes smoothly, you need to make sure your face is clean before the surgery by following these steps:
- Remove makeup and wash your face thoroughly to ensure it is clean on the morning of the surgery.
- Avoid using moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, or any other cosmetics on the day of surgery.
- Remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails so the doctor can easily monitor your vital signs using medical devices.
Schedule sufficient time off of work
Recovery after a facelift requires rest and special care. Returning to work too soon can affect the results. Therefore, you should take at least 1 to 2 weeks off to allow your body to recover initially. This period may be longer depending on the extent of the surgery and your type of work. In addition, avoid tasks that require bending, heavy lifting, or stressful activity during the first few weeks.
Make life easier at home
To make your home recovery comfortable and effective, prepare the following items to make life at home easier and more convenient:
- Prepare soft, liquid foods such as soup, porridge, and smoothies, as chewing will be difficult in the first few days.
- Arrange your resting area with pillows, blankets, books, and entertainment to rest comfortably.
- If possible, have a family member stay with you during the first few days after surgery to help with daily activities.
- Prepare an ice pack to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor as instructed for check-ups and stitch removal at the right time.
Through this article, you have likely realized that careful planning and knowing how to prepare for a facelift not only gives you peace of mind but also plays a key role in the success of your surgery. Follow all your doctor’s instructions to achieve the safest and most satisfying facelift results. We hope this article has provided you with useful information.
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