8 Tips to Prepare for a Facelift
Getting a facelift is a major decision that can help enhance your appearance and confidence. While the rewards are significant, the surgery is no walk in the park. However, with proper preparation, you can feel fully ready for what’s to come and speed up your recovery process. Follow these eight essential tips to prepare yourself for the procedure and get ready to embrace the new you!
- Be Thorough When Sharing Your Medical History
Before your facelift, your surgeon will want to review your medical history to ensure there aren’t any issues that could complicate the procedure or your recovery. Be prepared to discuss any chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as any medications you’re on. Don’t forget to mention any past surgeries or reactions to anesthesia.
- Evaluate the Cost of the Procedure
The cost of a facelift procedure can vary significantly based on several factors:
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The Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise
An experienced board-certified cosmetic surgeon with expertise in facelift surgeries will likely charge a higher fee. While the cost may be higher, you pay for their skill and experience, which often leads to more natural-looking results and a lower chance of complications. On average, a surgeon may charge around $8,005 for a facelift, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, but prices can vary based on the experience of the surgeon.
The Extent of the Procedure
A complete facelift that includes multiple face areas, such as the neck, jowls, cheeks, and brow, will typically cost more than a mini facelift focusing on just one area. The more complex and time-consuming the procedure, the higher the surgeon’s fee.
Additional Procedures
If you combine multiple cosmetic procedures during your facelift, such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, or laser skin resurfacing, the total cost will increase significantly. Combining procedures means a longer, more complicated surgery and recovery, so surgeons will charge more to account for the additional time and resources required.
- Opt for an Experienced Surgeon
A skilled, experienced surgeon will help ensure you get the natural-looking results you want with minimum risks. Meet with a few different surgeons for consultations. During your consultation, assess the surgeon’s bedside manner. Do they listen to your concerns and desires? Do they explain the procedure, risks, and recovery in an easy-to-understand yet realistic way? Conduct online research and check reviews from other patients to make sure you find the right surgeon for the job.
- Discuss Your Options
Before your surgery, meet with your plastic surgeon for a consultation to discuss the options and develop a customized treatment plan. Be open about your goals and expectations. Here are some things you can discuss with them:
- Facelift technique: There are several variations of the traditional facelift to target specific areas of the face. Talk about which technique will give you the most natural-looking results based on your needs.
- Incision placement: Facelift incisions are typically made in inconspicuous areas like the hairline and behind the ears. Discuss where the incisions will be placed and how well they should heal.
- Additional procedures: You may want to combine a facelift with other procedures like eyelid surgery, brow lift, or neck liposuction for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Discuss if any additional procedures are right for you.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia will put you completely asleep during the procedure. Discuss any concerns you have about the anesthesia.
- Recovery: Ask your doctor how long recovery will likely take and what to do to ensure proper healing and the best results.
Make sure to get all your questions answered before the day of your surgery.
- Take Some Time Off from Work
Talk to your HR department and schedule paid time off in advance. Ensure coworkers cover essential work duties or meetings while you’re out. Rushing back to work too soon can slow your recovery and increase risks like infection or poor wound healing. Unwind and avoid stressful work demands as your body recuperates from the surgery.
- Have Realistic Expectations
When opting for a facelift surgery, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the recovery process and final results.
- Recovery can take several weeks. Don’t expect to bounce back from it quickly. You’ll experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for some time. Plan to take 1-2 weeks off from work or social commitments.
- Results may not be immediately apparent. It can take 3-6 months for the final results to be visible as the swelling subsides. Be patient throughout the process.
- A facelift does not stop aging. While it can turn back the clock, you will continue to age naturally. A facelift cannot prevent future sagging or wrinkles. You may need touch-up procedures down the road to maintain results.
- Natural-looking results depend on your surgeon. Share your expectations for a natural rejuvenation without an “overdone” look.
- Focus on Post-Operative Care
To ensure a smooth recovery, prepare for your post-operative care ahead of your facelift surgery. Ask friends or family members if they can stay with you for the first few days after your procedure to help out. If that’s not a possibility, hire a home health aide or nurse. They can help with tasks like bathing, dressing changes, and meal prep that you may find challenging as you heal.
You should also stock up on some necessary supplies before your surgery, including:
- Gauze and bandages: For incision care and drainage
- Ointments: Like antibiotic cream to prevent infection
- Ice packs: To reduce swelling
- Nutritious foods: Focus on protein, fruits, and vegetables to promote healing
- Loose, comfortable clothing: Button-down shirts, sweatpants, pajamas, etc.
- Pillows: Extra pillows to keep your head elevated
Make sure to fill any prescriptions your doctor provides ahead of time and keep medications on hand. Start a pain management regimen as directed to avoid discomfort. You may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.
Ask your surgeon what follow-up appointments you can expect to ensure your facelift results heal well. Most facelift patients return for checkups around 5 to 7 days after surgery, then again 3 to 4 weeks later. Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection like fever, increased pain, redness, or swelling.
- Do Not Smoke or Consume Alcohol
Stop smoking as it inhibits wound healing and recovery. Limit alcohol consumption, as excess alcohol can thin your blood and cause complications during and after surgery. Focus on nutritious whole foods like lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 8 essential tips to prepare for your facelift surgery. While the recovery process will require patience and time, following these recommendations will set you up for success and help you feel more at ease going into your procedure. Stay positive, and before you know it, you’ll look in the mirror at a fresher, rejuvenated you!
