How should you prepare for a facelift surgery?

Preparing for the procedure beforehand can help the patient attain desirable facelift surgery results.

The preparation for facelift plastic surgery begins from the moment the surgeon establishes a patient as a candidate for the procedure and gives them the green light for the facelift.

On their part, the patient should follow the surgeon’s pre-operative guidelines in a dedicated manner for safe and desirable facelift surgery outcomes.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Temporary Restrictions

For a certain period before and after the facelift surgery, the patient will need to stop tobacco use. Nicotine use increases the surgical risks and may cause delayed healing as it impedes proper blood flow.

If the patient uses blood thinners such as aspirin or NSAIDs or certain herbal supplements and vitamin E, they may need to discontinue their use for some time. The surgeon may also change the schedule of prescription drugs in discussion with the prescribing doctor.

Practical Arrangements

Working professionals should apply for one to two weeks of absence from their workplace to recover from the facelift. Socially active patients will also need to postpone any social events by at least one or two weeks.

In addition, the patient should ask a responsible person to drive them home following the cosmetic surgery as well as arrange for aftercare for the first few days of the recovery phase (if necessary).

To enjoy a relaxed and stress-free recovery period, the patient should ideally finish any urgent home or work-related tasks in advance of the procedure. They may also create a recovery kit at home including the below mentioned items:

• Prescription drugs and antibiotics
• Bandages
• Over-the-Counter pain meds
• Extra pillows to keep the head raised
• Ice packs
• Comfortable, front-open clothes

The Day before the Surgery

On the day before the surgery, the patient should wash their hair thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection. They should also avoid consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to the facelift surgery. In addition, they should get plenty of rest and adequate sleep on the night before the surgery.

The Day of Surgery

In case the patient has diabetes, they should have their vital parameters evaluated on the morning of the procedure. The surgeon may also put the patient on antibiotics prior to the surgery.

The patient and their attendant should plan to spend the entire day at the surgical venue. The surgery itself may take around two hours, and the patient will spend additional hours under observation in the recovery area. Before the patient leaves for home, the surgeon’s staff will provide them and their attendant with in-depth post-op care instructions.

Advance Arrangement for Aftercare

Patients may consider arranging aftercare for the first few days of the recovery phase, especially if they have small children at home. The patient can enjoy a comfortable recovery period with assistance in routine household tasks in the initial few days after the procedure.

The patient should also complete any urgent tasks before the facelift surgery to enjoy a stress-free recovery period. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for facelift. For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.