You have chosen a procedure, found your surgeon and scheduled a date for your facelift here in Sydney. Now what?
It’s time to get your body, mind and environment ready for your surgery and recovery.
Imagine an athlete preparing to compete in their first Olympics. What are they doing in the weeks and months before the Games? They are not spending their days loafing on the sofa — they are adhering to a strict training regime, ensuring their body and mind are conditioned for optimal performance.
While you will not have the pressure of the world’s eyes watching you vie for gold, you will still benefit from preparing thoroughly before your facelift. Sensible preparation helps you have a smooth and comfortable recovery, as well as a better aesthetic outcome.
With this in mind, here are some of our top tips on how to prepare for facelift surgery.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
As soon as possible, start ensuring your body is as healthy as it can be for your surgery. This means eating a balanced diet full of the nutrients your body will need to heal itself. It also means exercising, getting plenty of sleep and being properly hydrated. Remember, even small daily changes can have a big impact on your overall health.
Adjust Your Medications and Supplements
Talk with Dr Choy about any prescription medications you take during your initial consultation. You may need to stop or adjust your medications temporarily to lower the risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery. You may also need to avoid some over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Stop Smoking and Using Tobacco Products
If you are a smoker, use a vape or chewing tobacco, or wear a cessation patch, you will need to stop for a period before and after your surgery. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which impedes healing and can cause complications during the procedure. Ideally, this will be the motivation you need to quit for good!
Ramp Up Your Skincare Routine
Taking care of your skin before surgery and protecting your skin after surgery will help you enjoy your results for as long as possible. Wear plenty of SPF and stay out of the sun to avoid getting a sunburn before your facelift. Keep your skin healthy and hydrated by consistently using moisturisers and serums. Avoid products with harsh or irritating ingredients.
Request Time Off
Expect swelling and mild to moderate bruising for at least the first week after your facelift surgery. It may take up to two weeks for the swelling to subside and for you to start looking and feeling more like yourself. This is when many patients return to work and social activities. Plan ahead for time off work and clear your schedule of any personal engagements you would feel uncomfortable attending.
Make Personal Arrangements
Your facelift will be performed under general anaesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home from surgery, so make sure a friend, family member or other trusted caretaker is available. It is also helpful to have someone care for you and assist around the house for a few days after your operation.
Set Up Your ‘Comfort Zone’
The benefit of a day surgery is that you get to recover at home in familiar surroundings. To maximise your comfort, set up a recovery space that is dedicated to rest and relaxation. Put all the essentials within reach — like pillows, blankets, water, healthy snacks, tissues, your medications, your phone and laptop, and your favourite sources of entertainment.
Finish Your Errands and Chores
Try to get ahead on your personal to-do list so you can focus on relaxation during early recovery. Examples include:
- Going grocery shopping so your pantry is stocked
- Preparing meals ahead of time and freezing them
- Signing up for a meal delivery service
- Filling your prescriptions
- Picking up any medical supplies needed for your recovery
- Ensuring you have comfortable clothing that does not have to be pulled over your head
- Scheduling a salon appointment shortly before your surgery if you dye your hair
- Arranging for childcare
The Final Preparations
The last things you’ll do before your facelift may seem simple, but they are some of the most important. You must stop eating and drinking at midnight before the surgery because anaesthesia can only be administered on an empty stomach. On the morning of the operation, take a shower and wash your hair since you will not be able to shower for a little while post-surgery. Do not apply any skincare products, hair styling products, body lotions or makeup.
Dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that zips or buttons in front. Do not bring jewellery or other valuables with you. If you normally wear contact lenses, swap them for glasses on the day of your surgery.
Do Not Forget This Critical Step!
Preparing your body and environment are just two pieces of the pre-surgery puzzle. There is a third, and it is indispensable: the mental preparation.
Make sure you understand the steps of the road you are about to travel, including the curves and potholes you may encounter along the way. Make sure you are confident in your choice of surgeon and your decision to change your appearance. Reflect on your reasons for having surgery and set reasonable expectations for the outcome.
If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of your facelift surgery, do not hesitate to mention them to us sooner rather than later. We want you to have peace of mind and feel completely confident in your choice to have surgery.
Start Your Facelift Planning Today
To begin your facelift journey with Dr Ellis Choy, call us on 02 8962 9388 or click here for the enquiry form. Dr Choy is a fully qualified, Australia-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a passion for providing patients a personalised outcome.
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