Face Lift – Know How to Prepare for the Operation

If you want to look younger than your years, a face lift can help. It may be a common procedure, but it is still surgery. This means that if you are seriously considering it, you need to prepare properly. Spending the weeks before the surgery preparing can ensure that you get the results you want with as few complications as possible. Fortunately, there are various ways to prepare on your own, though you should expect to get some direction from your doctor as well.

The first step is to have an initial consultation with your doctor. At this appointment, it will be determined whether you are a good candidate for a face lift. As long as you are in generally good health and have realistic expectations as far as the results go, you should be a good candidate for the operation. Your doctor should let you know the basics of the procedure so that you are aware of what to expect. He or she should also let you know how to prepare for the surgery.

About two weeks prior to the procedure, you are advised to stop smoking completely. You will need to quit for the length of your recovery, as well, since smoking can hinder healing after an operation. This habit can cause circulatory problems, which usually makes the healing time longer than it needs to be.

You should also stop taking aspirin, vitamin E, and ibuprofen, since they tend to thin the blood. This can cause more bleeding than is necessary during the surgery and recovery. Of course, alcohol should also be avoided for at least a few days before the operation. Your doctor may give you a few medications to take before the operation, so be sure to follow the instructions that you are given.

You can expect the face lift to take anywhere from two to four hours. You will likely be given some type of anesthesia, which means that you should not plan on driving home that day. Be sure to arrange a ride to and from the clinic ahead of time, and perhaps ask a friend or family member to check on you while you recover.

Getting a face lift is exciting since most people cannot wait for the results. However, getting the look you want requires you to follow the doctor's directions before, during, and after the procedure. This way, your operation should go well, as will your recovery, leading to the best results possible.