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

Your surgeon should evaluate your health status to see if you will need a medical exam including an EKG if over age of 50. Since most facelifts are done under IV sedation or general anesthesia, patients should not eat or drink at least 6-8 hours prior to surgery. Any medications that can increase your risk of bleeding must be discontinued few weeks in advance of surgery. Many surgeons will not perform facelift surgery if the patients are active smokers, since it can cause tissue loss and wound healing problems. Smoking should be stopped completely 2-3 weeks before and after surgery.


2. What happens at the preoperative face lift appointment?

During the preoperative facelift appointment, the office staff will go through the above matters with the patient. In addition, the consent form and paperwork will be completed. Furthermore, all laboratory work can be obtained. Your plastic surgeon will see if you have any questions about the procedure.


3. What does informed consent mean?

Informed consent is essential in all surgeries especially elective plastic surgery. Your surgeon should describe the procedure in detail, explain its risks and limitations, and offer alternatives. You should ask all questions and have your questions answered in language you can understand. At this point, you should be informed about the procedure and can give consent.


4. Where will my face lift incisions be?

Generally, the facelift incision starts around the temporal hairline, extends down along the front of the ear and continues around behind the ear and into posterior hairline. Different surgeons may have slight variations in their incisions. A mini-facelift may involve only the first portion of the above and not extending behind the ear. Depending on the severity of facial aging, you can be a candidate for either mini or full facelift.


5. What about my daily medications before facelift surgery?

All daily medications will be reviewed by your surgeon. In general most should be taken as usual especially high blood pressure medication. Your diabetic medication may be modified due to diet restriction before surgery. Medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E must be stopped 10 days prior to surgery to minimize bleeding. Furthermore, all herbal medications should be stopped due to their tendency to thin blood.


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

Regular doses of vitamins such as Once A Day pill should be fine to take as usual. However, high doses of vitamin E should be stopped. Any supplements with potential for thinning your blood should be discontinued. You should bring a list of all your prescribed medications, vitamins, and supplements with you to your consult and preoperative appointment so that they can be checked by the office nurse and surgeon.