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You’ve consulted with your plastic surgery, made the decision to have a facelift, and scheduled your surgery. What should you do in the days and weeks before your facelift to prepare for the surgery and your time in recovery? Here are ten key steps to take:

Starting six weeks to a month before your procedure

Adjust your medications and supplements. In your consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask what prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, or supplements you take. That’s to flag medications, herbs, and supplements that might make the surgery riskier or interfere with the healing process. A month before your surgery, your surgeon will likely instruct you to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), vitamin E, fish oil, and other medications and supplements that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If you take medications for a medical condition, consult with your primary care doctor or specialist and your plastic surgeon about adjusting your dosage.

Stop smoking. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use, including vaping and chewing, interfere with blood circulation and can cause complications during and after your surgery. Nicotine is the problematic compound here, and it takes time for nicotine to leave your system, so stop using tobacco six weeks to a month before your procedure.

Plan for help. You’ll need a ride home after your procedure and help with everyday tasks for the first few days that you’re home. The person who helps you on the day of your surgery will need to drive you to the surgical center, wait in the waiting room while you have the procedure, and drive you home. That person or another friend will then need to stay with you for your first 24 hours at home. For the next few days, you’ll need help with tidying up, food preparation, and shopping. Make plans with people well ahead of time so that it’s in their calendars as a firm commitment.

Protect your skin. Keep your skin moisturized and avoid sun damage. Use a quality moisturizer or a hydrating serum daily. Stay out of the sun if you can, and use a high-SPF sunscreen when you can’t.

Two to three weeks before your procedure

Prepare your home for a comfortable recovery. Make a recovery nest in the room where you’ll be sitting or lying (with your head elevated for the first week). Choose a place that’s close to the bathroom and a bed or chair that’s comfortable to prop yourself up in and easy to get in and out of. Experiment with different combinations of pillows and coverings to make sure you have what you need. Assemble comfortable clothes that don’t pull over your head.

Stock up on supplies.

• Fill your prescriptions ahead of time.
• Have ice packs on hand to minimize swelling after surgery, and any wound-treatment supplies recommended by your surgeon.
• Set up your comfortable space for reading, watching movies, listening to music, or doing puzzles — whatever you find calming and entertaining.
• Stock up on healthy food that requires little or no preparation. You might make meals ahead of time and freeze them. Choose foods that are low in sodium and high in healthy protein, vitamins, and other nutrients. (Plan for your helper to keep you supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water. Don’t make any drastic changes to your diet in the days before your surgery, but do eat a healthy mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains without added salt or sugar. Drink plenty of water, too, to hydrate your body and your skin. In the week before your surgery, avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol has physiological effects that can increase the risks of complications during and after surgery.

The day before and the day of your procedure

Confirm your ride and the schedule for help. Make sure people will be available on the days and at the times agreed to.

Have the right clothing. Wear loose-fitting clothes that don’t have to be pulled over your head. Shirts and tops that open fully with zippers, buttons, or ties are all fine. That applies to the clothes you wear in the first few days of recovery, too.

Follow your prep instructions. These will likely include:

• a pause in eating and drinking for a few hours before your procedure
• cleaning your skin and washing your hair
• no makeup, perfume, lotion, or deodorant

Find Out More About Facial Treatments in Orange County

If you haven’t scheduled a facelift but would like to learn how one might benefit you, contact UCI Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation. We will examine your face and neck to evaluate the laxity or resilience of your skin, ask you questions to understand your goals for treatment, and recommend an approach for achieving your desired results. We have five Orange County area offices: in Orange, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Newport, and Yorba Linda, CA.