What do I do to prepare for facelift surgery?

Preparation for a facelift varies for each individual patient but several common components include avoiding asprin, ibuprofen and like types of medications. Routinely, I will have you schedule an appointment to see your primary care doctor for an appropriate medical evaluation and clearance for surgery which will include several lab tests and other exams appropriate for your medical condition.


What happens at the preoperative face lift appointment?

At the preoperative appointment you, my staff, and I will go through the entire pre and postoperative instructions, thoroughly review the entire process, discuss my expectations and review your medical history. We will discuss what to avoid prior to your surgery, specific things I will need for you to do to prepare for the surgery, as well as answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure. We will review, discuss and sign consents and review in detail the surgery itself. Maps to the surgery center and arrangements for postoperative care are also part of the preoperative process.


What does informed consent mean?

An "informed consent" means that you and I have had discussions about what the surgery is, what the expectations are, and what risks are involved. I would want you to understand the alternatives and options to the surgery and make sure that you are comfortable in your knowledge of the procedure itself. When you can say that you have all this information and understand it, then you are informed enough to "consent" to the surgery.


Where will my face lift incisions be?

Incisions are usually around the ear, both in front of and behind it. At times the incisions go into the hairline behind the ear and many times there is a separate incison under the chin.


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

Some vitamins, such as vitamin E should be stopped but others, like vitamin C or B you may continue to take. The best course is to bring a list of the vitamins you take to the office where we can go over the list to properly prepare you for your surgery.