Skip to main navigation

3 Minute Read:

Many people understand that plastic surgery procedures often require a dedicated recovery period but fail to consider the much-needed preparation. 

Preparing for facelift surgery is an important way to help your risk of complications during and after the surgery.

Young, Asian woman enjoying the effects of a youthful-looking face against a light blue backdrop.

Steps to Take Before My Vertical Facelift

You can take several steps before your vertical facelift surgery to decrease the chances of complications during your surgery and recovery period.

Quit Smoking

When preparing for facelift surgery, one of the most important steps is to quit smoking. Ideally, this will be long-term, but at minimum, you must stop smoking for at least two weeks before surgery. This is essential because nicotine (found in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and the nicotine patch) is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to shrink. 

Patients who undergo surgery with nicotine in their system are at much higher risk of several types of complications, including: 

  • Negative reactions to anesthesia
  • Tissue necrosis
  • Skin loss
  • Excess scarring
  • Blood clots
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack

Additionally, if you can kick the habit long-term, it is much more likely that you can maintain your results for a longer period. Smoking wreaks havoc on your tissues and often makes your skin age quicker. This may lead you to consider a revision facelift procedure much sooner.

Get Your Medications Cleared

Before surgery, you should make sure that none of your regularly taken medications, vitamins, or supplements will interfere with the operation. Medications like blood thinners and certain herbal supplements can cause complications if taken within a week or two of facelift surgery.

To address these concerns, talk with your doctor, plastic surgeon, and local pharmacist before surgery to determine what you need to stop taking (and what is safe to stop taking).

Prepare for Post-Surgical Recovery

Recovery after facelift surgery involves a week or two of downtime. During this time, you should rest, relax, and avoid physical activities that could aggravate the incision sites. Preparing for this recovery period can allow it to go much smoother.

Consider planning ahead by doing chores and cooking. This can help remove the stress of doing them during your recovery. 

Also, setting up entertainment options can prevent you from being bored. Simple steps, like arranging for friends or family members to take care of children or other critical tasks, can dramatically reduce stress. 

Before surgery, you should also make sure that all your medications and aftercare supplies are in easy-to-reach locations. 

This can prevent frustration, especially in the first few days when you are less mobile and may not be thinking as clearly. Setting things up in advance will make your recovery easier and more relaxing.

Interested in Learning More?

If you want to learn more about vertical facelift surgery or how to prepare for your facelift recovery, feel free to contact our office by calling (310) 777-0069 or filling out our online contact form. We will answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.