What Things can I do to Prepare for Facelift? Diet Changes?

Hi there-

While I know your question is innocent, and also that most of the surgeons on this site mean well and want to help, the truth is that your surgeon would probably be a bit sad and frustrated if he knew that you were asking strangers on the internet these questions, instead of letting him tell you what he thinks is safe and effective in his practice.

Think of it this way- none of us know you as well as your surgeon does; none of us have examined you, and none of us knows exactly what the details of the surgery your surgeon is planning are. Your surgeon is therefore the only one qualified to answer. Give his office a call before you do anything.

Best of luck- I hope you look great!

A low sodium diet, less than 1500 mg/day is fine - and making it even lower will not make a significant difference. I would otherwise eat a balanced diet which includes a protein source but doesn't have to maximize it. In fact not eating a balanced diet, for example high protein and low fat and low carbohydrate diet can cause metabolic imbalance (ketosis) which may have a negative impact. Foods rich in Vitamin E are OK as long as you have a balanced diet.You do not have to stop your antihistimine or restasis.See the below links on how to prepare for and the post op instructions we give our patients for a fast recovery.

Each situation is unique and only your surgeon knows the specific details of your procedure and should be the person commenting on post-operative questions such as this

Most would agree that a low sodium diet before and after surgery will help to reduce the amount of swelling you experience.  When it comes to medications and supplements, your surgeon should be able to provide you with the answers to your questions.  It is best to follow his or her recommendations.

Your plastic surgeon I'm sure has recommendations for what needs to be done or avoided before surgery and likely will gave you written instructions which will include such things as medications to avoid. Most plastic surgeons require their patients to stop taking aspirin  for a period of time before surgery.  You should let your surgeon know about all medications you are taking whether they are prescription or non prescription. Also, discuss any herbal  meds or vitamins. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding these.

You should discuss pre-facelift preparation plans with your surgeon. Every doctor has slightly different protocol in terms of how they want their patients to prepare for a facelift surgery.

We all have our own opinions about these issues.  This is why you should ask your surgeon.  Vitamin E thins the blood.  Interestingly recent research suggests that large does of vitamin may have some adverse health consequences.  Personally I discourage patients from making any kind of radical change in the diet prior to surgery other than to minimize exposure to items in the diet that can thin the blood.

The
best thing you can do to prepare for your facelift is adopt healthy habits and
discontinue any lifestyle choices that deplete the body and reduces its healing
capacity. This includes staying hydrated, eating a well-balanced diet, and not
smoking. If you are a smoker, you should quit at least 3-months prior to
surgery and plan on staying a non-smoker after your surgery. Fill all
prescriptions prior to your surgery and make sure your home is well-stocked
with all the post-op provisions you need.

These are critical questions to ask  of your surgeon.   In general, vitamin E must be avoided, while I encourage the taking of vitamin C and K.  For facial care products, I generally see no reason to stop these, unless they are extremely irritating.

Before surgery you should be at a weight you are comfortable with because significant weight loss after a facelift can sometimes deflate the face and give somewhat of an aged appearance. Preoperatively minimize sodium intake so there is no additional swelling and a diet that doesn't contain  vitamin E, Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and garlic as these and other medications can cause increased bleeding during and after surgery.  You can continue your eye drops as there is no contraindication for surgery.