How to Prepare for Facelift Surgery
If you are interested in facelift surgery, the first step is to find a board certified plastic surgeon who has the proper training, skill, and experience to perform the procedure with an optimal degree of safety and effectiveness. To do this, I suggest using the Internet to conduct extensive research, taking a look at several before-and-after pictures provided by each prospective doctor, and even contacting previous patients to hear about their particular experience and the caliber of care they received from their surgeon.
When you’ve selected a surgeon you feel is qualified, the next step is to schedule a consultation to meet with them in person. During this time, you will have the chance to really get to know your doctor on a personal level, as well as to identify your cosmetic concerns, discuss what you wish to achieve, ask questions, and find out if facelift surgery would be the best option for your needs and goals. Your surgeon should be candid about all the advantages, risks, possibilities, and limitations of the facelift procedure, and they should comprehensively explain their specific technique and what you can expect during every phase of treatment. If there is any point in time that you aren’t fully comfortable with your decision, do not hesitate to revisit your options until you find a doctor with whom you are one hundred percent satisfied.
Once you’ve found the right surgeon and are ready to proceed with surgery, the next step is to schedule the date and time of your procedure. Your doctor will provide a complete list of pre-operative instructions containing information such as medicines to discontinue, when to stop eating and/or drinking the night prior to surgery, and numerous other details relevant to your treatment. If applicable, you will also be advised to discontinue smoking and/or the use of any tobacco products a minimum of two weeks before treatment.
In most cases, blood testing and other laboratory work will need to be conducted to determine whether or not you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. You will also need to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the hospital or operating facility, as facelift surgery requires general anesthesia, and it is unsafe to operate a vehicle for at least 24 hours after sedation. Furthermore, a close friend or family member will need to be available to assist with any household activities and/or heavy lifting for at least a couple days to allow you to rest during the initial stages of healing.
Ultimately, I urge all prospective patients to ask any questions that come to mind and voice any concerns they may have in the time leading up to facelift surgery. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your procedure can greatly improve the treatment process and lead to the greatest level of satisfaction.
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