A thoroughly prepared patient will be able to go through facelift cosmetic surgery with relative ease and achieve safer and more predictable results. Preparation process begins from the time of initial consultation. The surgeon will provide the guidelines for proper preparation, which the patient should follow in a committed manner.
Dr. Eugene Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon providing facelift to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.
Refraining from Smoking and Certain Medications
The surgeon will require the patient to stop smoking for a certain period of time prior to the facelift cosmetic surgery. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which hampers the free flow of oxygen in the blood. This can lead to slow healing and increased risk of complications.
Blood thinning medications such as aspirin, certain prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamin E are some of the items that will have to be temporarily stopped. Prescription drug schedule may be adjusted in consultation with the doctor.
Advance Arrangements
A working individual should apply for leave from work for at least one week to allow for adequate rest at home and safe healing following facelift. Even non-working patients should make alternate arrangements for the first few days when they may not be able to performed household chores.
The patient should also arrange in advance for a responsible person to drive them back home after the facelift surgery. Any pressing tasks at home or office should be completed ahead of time so that the patient is exposed to minimal stress during the recovery. Some patients like to prepare a ‘recovery kit’ that includes handy items required during the downtime phase, which may include:
- Over the counter pain medications
- Prescription drugs and antibiotics
- Bandages
- Extra pillows to keep the head elevated
- Button down clothes that avoid the need to go overhead
- Favorite music CDs and movie DVDs
Just a Day before Surgery
On the day before the facelift surgery, the patient should wash the hair properly to ensure maximum hygiene. They should refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to the surgery. The patient should take adequate rest and sleep well on the night before the surgery.
The Day of Surgery
Some calming medication may be given to the patient on the morning of the surgery to keep them relaxed. Antibiotic regimen may also begin before the surgery. Facelift surgery can take about two to three hours, and the patient and the attendant should be informed about the duration.
Following the surgery, the patient will be shifted to an observation area for a few hours. Before the patient is ready to go home, the surgeon’s team will usually provide a list of post-operative care instructions along with the date of the first post-surgical appointment.
Aftercare
For the first three or four days after facelift, the patient may hire the services of a professional nursing assistant, or may request a friend or relative to stay over for help. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
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