How to Prepare for a Face Lift or Rhytidoplasty
Preparing for a face lift or rhytidoplasty surgery is crucial to ensure a successful procedure and optimal results. This article provides essential guidelines on how to prepare for a face lift, including important considerations such as quitting nicotine and specific medications, arranging temporary accommodation, and ensuring post-operative assistance.
Quitting Nicotine and Medications
If you are a nicotine user, it is imperative to quit using nicotine products at least six weeks before your face lift surgery. This includes quitting smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, using nicotine gum, patches, or any other form of nicotine delivery. Nicotine can have detrimental effects on the healing process and overall outcome of the surgery.
A pre-operative history and physical examination must be conducted by your primary care physician within four weeks of the scheduled face lift surgery. During this examination, you will receive a list of medications that are prohibited before the procedure. It is essential to adhere to this list to ensure compatibility and optimize the outcome of the surgery.
Some medications to avoid at least two weeks prior to face lift surgery include:
- Drugs that interfere with blood clotting, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
- Blood thinners like Coumadin or Lovenox.
- Vitamin E supplements.
Before discontinuing any of the aforementioned medications, it is crucial to consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist to ensure your safety and well-being.
The prohibited medication list also includes herbal or non-traditional substances, diet medications, and any other non-prescribed substances. Additionally, refrain from consuming alcohol or using illicit drugs for at least two weeks before the surgery.
Notifying Medical Professionals
If you experience any new medical issues such as a viral illness, cold, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, sores, boils, or any other condition before your face lift surgery, it is vital to notify the surgeon’s office as soon as possible. They need to be aware of any changes in your health to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Temporary Accommodation
If you are not a local resident, it is recommended that you plan to arrive at least a day prior to the surgery to familiarize yourself with the area where you will be staying temporarily. It is crucial to remain in the vicinity, whether at a local hotel or with a relative or friend, for approximately one week after the face lift surgery. This allows for proper post-operative care and easy access to the surgeon’s office if needed.
Additional Procedures for Rhytidoplasty
In some cases, a resurfacing procedure may be planned alongside the face lifting for total facial rejuvenation. If this applies to you, it is necessary to undergo pre-treatment for approximately six weeks before the face lift surgery. Our experienced aestheticians will provide guidance and assistance during this phase.
Post-Operative Care After Rhytidoplasty
After the face lift surgery, it is important to have someone available to assist you during the initial days. Swelling and discomfort may limit your mobility. Thus, having a caregiver or support person who can help you with daily activities is highly recommended. Preparing meals in advance, arranging for someone to cook for you, or planning to order food delivery are all practical considerations to have in place before the surgery.
Check out our gallery of before and after images for face lift here.
