With your consultation completed and facelift scheduled, all that's left is to begin the final preparations. In combination with your doctor's specific advice, the following list of 10 simple steps will prepare any patient for their big procedure:

1)        Get a Friend or Family Member to Help Out

Facelifts are relatively minor surgical procedures, but even so, the effects of sedation and heavy bandaging means that patients will be unable to drive immediately following the operation. Arrange for someone to accompany you to the office and to drive you home afterwards. Consider asking him or her for help with your daily tasks in the upcoming days as well.

2)        Set Up Some Contacts

Make sure that you've got the phone number for the surgical office handy, in case you need to reach out with questions or concerns during the recovery process. Informing friends and family about your procedure may be a good idea as well, so that you'll have assistance on call if necessary.

3)        Create a Cozy Spot at Home

Many patients want little more than to spend their first 24–48 hours at complete ease, as the healing process begins and they contend with soreness and discomfort. By collecting books, pillows, a phone charger, and more by your couch or bed, you'll be prepared to sit back and take things easy.

4)        Give Smoking a Break

It might not be easy, but habitual smokers should abstain from this behavior for some weeks before and after having a facelift performed. Nicotine can impair the blood flow that is so crucial to proper healing, and compromises the supply of readily available oxygen, while lung damage from smoke inhalation can increase the risk of anesthesia complications. Speak with your surgeon for specific recommendations.

5)        Start Eating Right

A quick recovery depends on healthy habits, and you may be surprised at the impact of diet in post-surgical healing ability. Avoiding both processed foods and high sodium levels is key for keeping the body operating at high effectiveness. You may wish to stock up on fresh and healthy items in advance so that you've got quality choices available at home while you recovery.

6)        Talk to Your Doctor About Supplementation

Some vitamins and other supplements can be very effective in reducing recovery time and swelling in the period following plastic surgery. Your surgeon, one from a clinic like Hecht Aesthetic Center, may recommend a supplementation program beginning as early as several weeks in advance of the procedure.

7)        Stop Using OTC Painkillers

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other generic over-the-counter medications can thin the blood and impair your body's ability to repair physical traumas. By stopping their intake in the days before your facelift, your body will have time to adjust accordingly and prepare to heal.

8)        Don't Eat Anything Beforehand

Facelifts typically involve either local or general anesthesia, or IV sedation, and both options are associated with the risk of vomiting. Your surgeon will instruct you to avoid food and drink intake in the hours before the procedure.

9)        Scrub Yourself Clean

While your surgeon will ensure a clean environment for the operation and keep any risk of infection low, you can help as well. Washing your hair and face thoroughly before heading to the office is highly recommended.

10)      Wear a Front-Opening Top to Your Appointment

Plan to dress in easily removable clothing on the day of the procedure. It can be quite uncomfortable to pull a shirt or blouse over your head in the first couple of days of recovery.

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