1. What do I do to prepare for facelift surgery?

Stop all cigarette smoking at least one month prior to surgery. This would include any use of nicotine including patches, snuff, Snus etc. Optimize diet and take a vitamin supplement that includes vitamin C. Stop all aspirin and products like Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Alleve or other NSAIDS (non steroidal antiinflammatory durgs) 2 weeks before surgery to ensure no bleeding complications will result from them.


2. What happens at the preoperative face lift appointment?

The surgeon will ask what the patient' s concerns are and after an examination will discuss how those concerns might be best addressed.


3. What does informed consent mean?

It means that an accurate description of the operation planned is given together with risks and complications that can occur before the patient agrees to proceed with surgery. Today, this is often done as an information packet with much printed material that must be carefullly read by the patient before giving their consent. It is presented in clear english that should be understood by a person with average intelligence.


4. Where will my face lift incisions be?

Typically the incisions are well hidden in a crease in front of the ear, often camouflaged behind the TRAGUS (the piece of cartilage that is just in front of the ear canal) and continuing around the ear lobe and onto the back of the ear hidden in that crease. There is usually a scar beneath the chin which is very well hidden. This is used to properly rejuvenate the sagging neck tissues.


5. What if I have a history of bad scars?

Bad scars usually result from excessive tension but some individuals do make thicker scars than others. These are almost always only a problem behind the ear. Short scar face lift may be the most attractive option for these patients.


6. What about my daily medications before facelift surgery?

You will take your usual medications as usual and discuss which ones to take the morning of surgery with your anesthesiologist or surgeon.


7. I take vitamins and supplements. Do I need to stop them before facelift surgery?

Most vitamins in nomal amounts (RDA -recommended daily allowance) are fine to continue up to and following surgery. Higher than recommended doses of Vitamin E is sometimes associated with bleeding after surgery. Some over the counter medicines including ephedrine,weight loss meds, caffeine supplements, St. John' s wort and others have effects which can be problematic. Discuss these meds and supplements in detail with your doctor weeks before surgery to avoid the surgery being cancelled the day of surgery or causing a problem for yourself post operatively.