Preparing for a facelift means getting both yourself and your home ready for surgery and recovery. Whether you are considering a traditional procedure or a deep plane facelift, your exact instructions will depend on your health, surgical plan, and anesthesia approach.
The instructions provided by Dr. Manish Shah and his surgical team should always take priority over general online advice. Use the following as a practical overview of what facelift preparation may involve and what questions to ask as your procedure approaches.
Your Facelift Preparation Timeline
It can be easier to prepare when you think in terms of a timeline rather than one long checklist.
Several Weeks Before Your Facelift
The weeks before surgery are the time to address anything that could affect your procedure or recovery.
Attend your pre-operative appointments and make sure Dr. Shah has a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, allergies, previous surgeries, and relevant medical conditions.
If you smoke or use nicotine, discuss this openly with Dr. Shah. Nicotine can interfere with blood flow and wound healing, which is especially important in facelift surgery. Don’t assume nicotine replacement products are automatically acceptable substitutes; follow the practice’s specific instructions regarding all nicotine-containing products.
This is also a good time to begin arranging practical support. Determine who will take you home after surgery if required, who can stay with you during the initial recovery period, and whether you need help with children, pets, errands, or household responsibilities.
About One to Two Weeks Before Surgery
By this point, your recovery arrangements should be taking shape.
Fill any prescriptions Dr. Shah wants you to have available after surgery. Prepare easy meals, organize a comfortable place to rest, and move frequently used items somewhere you can reach them without bending, stretching, or lifting unnecessarily.
Review your medications and supplements again. Dr. Shah may instruct you to stop certain products before surgery because they can affect bleeding or interact with medications used during your procedure. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. If another physician prescribed it, your surgical team can help determine how it should be managed.
You should also make sure you understand your individualized instructions regarding eating, drinking, medications, arrival time, and transportation.
The Day Before Your Facelift
Follow the specific eating and drinking instructions provided by Dr. Shah’s office. These requirements may differ depending on the type of anesthesia or sedation being used.
Shower and wash your face as instructed. Avoid adding products afterward if your surgical team has told you to arrive with clean skin.
Confirm your transportation and make sure the person helping you knows where to go, when to arrive, and what support you may need afterward.
Finally, try to get adequate sleep. There is no benefit to spending the night before surgery repeatedly checking your face or worrying about every detail. Your surgical plan has already been developed; your job now is to follow your instructions and arrive prepared.
The Day of Surgery
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A shirt that buttons or zips in the front is generally easier to manage after facial surgery than something you need to pull over your head.
Leave makeup, jewelry, and skincare products at home if instructed. Bring any identification, paperwork, medications, or other items requested by the practice.
Arrive at the designated time rather than trying to time your arrival to the scheduled start of surgery. Pre-operative preparation is part of the process.
Most importantly, don’t make last-minute changes to your medications, food or fluid intake, or transportation plan without speaking with the surgical team.
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
Research and Choose a Qualified Surgeon
The first and most important step is selecting a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon. Look for someone with extensive experience in facelift procedures and a portfolio of before-and-after photos. Check patient reviews and ratings on platforms like RealSelf and Google Reviews.
Discuss Your Goals and Expectations
During your consultation, clearly communicate your aesthetic goals and expectations. Your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure, skin condition, and overall health to determine the best approach. Ask about the specific technique they recommend and why.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your surgeon will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. Be honest about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking. This information helps your surgeon plan the safest and most effective procedure for you.
2. Pre-Operative Instructions
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, it’s crucial to stop at least six weeks before your surgery. Smoking impairs blood flow and can significantly affect healing and recovery. Nicotine patches or other cessation aids can be helpful during this period but they should also be stopped prior to surgery to reduce the risk of healing problems.
Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements
Certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with anesthesia. Patients who stopped these medications, as advised, had a 40% lower risk of bleeding complications during surgery. Your surgeon will provide a list of substances to avoid, which may include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and certain herbal supplements. Follow this list strictly to minimize complications.
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Hydration
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals promotes healing. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Staying well-hydrated is equally important. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your surgery.
Arrange for Post-Operative Care
Plan for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Having a friend or family member assist you can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery.
3. Preparing Your Home for Recovery
Create a Comfortable Recovery Area
Set up a designated recovery space at home with comfortable pillows, blankets, and a recliner or extra pillows to keep your head elevated. Elevation helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
Stock Up on Essentials
Prepare by stocking up on necessary supplies such as ice packs, gauze, pain medications, and any prescribed antibiotics. Having these items readily available will make your recovery smoother.
Plan for Easy-to-Prepare Meals
Prepare and freeze healthy meals beforehand so you don’t have to worry about cooking during your initial recovery phase. Opt for soft, easy-to-eat foods that don’t require much chewing.
Entertainment and Relaxation
Gather books, movies, and other forms of entertainment to keep yourself occupied while you rest. Staying relaxed and entertained can help pass the time and reduce stress during recovery.
4. Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Follow Post-Operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions. Follow them closely to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include caring for your incisions, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding certain activities.
Manage Swelling and Discomfort
Expect some swelling and discomfort after your facelift. Use ice packs as directed and keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed to manage any discomfort.
Monitor for Complications
Be aware of signs of complications such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, or discharge from the incision sites). Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Gradually Resume Activities
Follow your surgeon’s guidance on when to resume normal activities. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks. Gradually increase your activity level as you feel comfortable.
5. Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you may have.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results of your facelift. Protect your skin from sun exposure, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking.
Skin Care Routine
Invest in a quality skincare routine to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Your surgeon may recommend specific products or treatments to enhance and maintain your results.
What Changes if You Choose an Awake Deep Plane Facelift?
An awake deep plane facelift changes one particularly important aspect of the surgical experience: the approach to anesthesia.
Rather than undergoing the procedure with traditional general anesthesia, appropriately selected patients may have deep plane facelift surgery using local anesthesia, with the specific medication and comfort protocol determined by Dr. Shah.
That does not mean you should assume the usual rules about eating, drinking, medications, transportation, or preparation no longer apply.
Your instructions may differ from those given to a patient undergoing general anesthesia, which is why awake-facelift preparation needs to come directly from Dr. Shah and his surgical team.
Your Journey to a Rejuvenated You
Preparing for a facelift involves careful planning and following your surgeon’s instructions closely. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth procedure and optimal recovery, leading to the rejuvenated, youthful appearance you desire. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Manish Shah’s office.
At Shah Aesthetic Surgery, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and outstanding results. Dr. Manish Shah’s extensive experience and commitment to patient satisfaction make him a trusted choice for your facelift procedure. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Manish Shah is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Shah Aesthetic Surgery in Denver, Colorado. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Shah brings over 15,000 completed surgical procedures of clinical expertise to facial rejuvenation, with focused specialization in deep plane facelifts, neck lift surgery, and ultrasonic piezo rhinoplasty. After graduating with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and earning his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, he completed advanced aesthetic fellowship training at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital (MEETH) in New York. A clinical educator at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and recognized among America's Best Facelift Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek, Dr. Shah authors and reviews educational articles to provide patients with transparent, medically verified guidance on surgical techniques, recovery expectations, and patient safety.