What do I need to do before proceeding with a facelift procedure?

Question

What do I need to do before proceeding with a facelift procedure? What I mean by my question is that what are the important and necessary steps I need to take before my procedure? Should I pay much attention to things like my blood pressure? Female, 56.

Myung Ju Lee, MD, PhD · Answer

When you consult with your surgeon on your facelift surgery, pre-operative guideline will be given. Also, pre-surgery body examination will be done to check up your body.Usually, any medications or supplements that interferes with your blood pressure will be limited.However, there may be some medications that you will have to continue to take depending on your health condition.Please do discuss with your doctor after the body exam for this matter.
Also, you will have to remove nail polish, remove contacts / dentures / accessories. There will be fasting before the surgery as well.

Goretti Ho Taghva, MD, FACS · Answer

When preparing for a facelift, it's crucial to ensure your safety and optimal results. Begin with a thorough medical evaluation by your primary care physician to rule out any underlying health issues, with particular attention to blood pressure, blood sugar control, heart and lung function etc. Standard pre-surgery blood tests are necessary to check overall health and uncover any hidden conditions. It's also important to stop taking supplements like fish oil or medications that thin the blood at least two weeks before surgery to minimize bleeding risks. Additionally, if you're on weight loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro, discontinue them at least two weeks prior, as they can affect how your body responds to surgery and anesthesia. Always discuss these steps with your surgeon and physician to ensure they are tailored to your specific health needs.

Best wishes for your preparation and the upcoming facelift procedure!

Best wishes for your preparation and the upcoming facelift procedure!

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear Phenomenal294687, thank you for your question!

Before a facelift, focus on preparing your health and following your surgeon's instructions. Managing blood pressure, especially if elevated, reduces bleeding risk. Avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E for two weeks before surgery, and if you smoke, stop several weeks ahead as it can slow healing. Maintaining hydration and a balanced diet supports recovery, and avoiding alcohol in the days leading up to surgery is helpful. Finally, limit sun exposure to protect your skin, and make sure you have post-op care arrangements in place for a smoother recovery.

Marguerite E. Aitken, MD, FACS · Answer

You should have an annual pcp exam and report all medications and health/systemic issues to your surgeon. He/she may require blood work, ekg, medical clearance based on your health history.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Thank you for your great question.  The first step in the process is to see a facial expert who performs a lot of facelifts and facial rejuvenation procedures for consultation.  You should have your health optimized for best results and to avoid a rocky postoperative course.  This includes making sure that your blood pressure is under control. If you feel the necessity to lose over 35-40 lbs, you should do so before the procedure; this will also help your blood pressure.  Some patients have difficulty with this aspect of their health and each case is evaluated individually.  If you have any form of cardiac history, DVT, pulmonary embolism and/or if you are on blood thinners, you will need clearance prior to surgery and you will need to discontinue anti-coagulation therapy. You will need a serum chemistry panel, CBC, and an EKG.  There are many other nuances that can be discussed at the time of consultation.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from your question , If you are a smoker, you need to quit smoking at least 2 months before the operation and you need to stop blood thinning medications before the operation. These are very important details that need to be taken into consideration.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best regards!

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there. This is a great general question for patients considering face lift surgery.

The first thing is to find out if you are a suitable candidate for surgery and if  a facelift will adequately address your concerns. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help answer this initial question and it is important to select a surgeon who is a specialist in facial procedures such as facelift rather than a generalist (to get the best opinion and outcome). Most patients find it helpful to see at least two surgeons and select whoever you feel you can form a trusting partnership with.

In terms of preparing for the surgery itself, there are physical and psychological considerations. Blood pressure is a key risk for bleeding and wound healing complications so it is important to be on appropriate treatment to stabilise your blood pressure in advance if necessary. Similarly, it is best to be close to or at your ideal weight for surgery to get the best outcome. In terms of pshychological preparation, the surgery and recovery process can be emotionally draining, especially in the first few weeks. Anticipating this duress in advance and having a support network available to help out early on will be beneficial. Patients with a history of mental health illness such as anxiety or depression may be particularly prone to a challenging recovery and benefit from a psychological assessment or even treatment in advance. Best of luck with your treatment journey!

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are a few things to do prior to your facelift procedure. First and foremost is ensuring that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon (preferably two different surgeons) to ensure that the surgery can address your concerns and it is the appropriate procedure for you. This involves a physical examination as well as a discussion of the surgery, the risks and benefits, and what it can accomplish and, equally important, not accomplish.

I typically advise patients to consult with their primary care doctor and specialists (if they see any specialists) and discuss with them that they are undergoing elective cosmetic surgery. Depending on a few factors, we may ask for medical clearance from one or more of a patient's doctors prior to proceeding with surgery. Preoperative testing such as an EKG and bloodwork is typically advised.

In addition to ensuring that facelift surgery is the right surgery for you and you have found a good fit for a surgeon and have obtained medical clearance, you should ensure that you are prepared for recovery. Your surgeon should advise you on the postoperative instructions and give you an idea of what recovery will entail. You should ensure that you have a caregiver and can take adequate time away from activity to recover and rest. You should not plan it soon before an important event. The emotional preparation will vary by patient, but facelift surgery is one that involves a recovery that changes your facial appearance. In the immediate postoperative period you will experience swelling and be wearing dressings around your face. Be sure you have prepared for this alteration in your appearance. Your surgeon should give you an idea of what you will look like long-term postoperatively, which should be yourself, just more refreshed.

Best of luck in your journey.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Before undergoing surgery, you would discuss with your surgeon the necessary steps to take. Some adjustments may be required by your surgeon (e.g. quit smoking, cessation of herbal supplements, discontinue aspirin, etc), and some additional steps are often needed for clearance for general anesthesia (obtaining an EKG, a physical with your PCP, etc). If you have hypertension, it would be your PCP's job to manage this over the long-term--not just acutely for surgical clearance (same with diabetes and other chronic conditions). Having said that, if you have poorly controlled medical conditions, this can be a reason to postpone surgery until they have been addressed.
Best,Dr. Tower

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

Hello,
This is a great question, one of the most important things to think about prior to a facelift is blood pressure. When your blood pressure is too high, there can be bleeding under the skin after the procedure, and if it is bad enough you can have the skin die, which will cause a lot of scarring and will look very bad after it heals, which is the exact opposite of what you want if you undergo a face lift.
If you are thinking about having a facelift in the near future, you should definitely see your primary care doctor and make sure your blood pressure is within the normal range, roughly 120/80 or lower, and if not, work on getting it under control prior to having surgery. This is really the MOST important thing to take care of before having a facelift. I'm sure you will do well since you are thinking ahead.
Hope this helps, good luck!