Preparing for a facelift w/brow lift

Question

I am scheduled to have a facelift (with brow lift, lower eyes, fat transfer & C02) I am 57, 120lbs, 5’5. I’m a bit concerned if I should be doing C02 at the same time as I have read conflicting articles. How can I best prepare for surgery which is a few weeks out.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

CO2 resurfacing can be safely combined with facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, and fat transfer in selected patients, but it depends on skin quality, laser depth, medical history, and how much swelling and wound care your surgeon expects. The main tradeoff is usually a more intense early recovery, more redness, and the need for very careful skin care and sun avoidance.

A few weeks before surgery, focus on the basics: stop nicotine completely, follow your surgeon's medication and supplement instructions, avoid new aggressive skin treatments unless approved, arrange help at home, prepare soft foods and head elevation, and clarify exactly which products to use after CO2. If you are uncertain, ask your surgeon whether the CO2 will be light, medium, or deep and whether staging it later would change safety or results in your specific case.

Zachary Farhood, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is generally safe to undergo laser resurfacing at the same as face lifting surgery as long as the appropriate settings are used. Typically, the surgeon does not laser as deep over the area of dissected skin as they do over the central face/brow, etc. Combining laser resurfacing does extend your downtime a bit with a facelift, but does avoid a second procedure/downtime and will have the benefit of improving skin quality.

Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding blood thinning medications/smoking/etc as directed by your surgeon will help prepare you for surgery the best as will making sure you have a good support system in place to help you through the recovery process.

Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding blood thinning medications/smoking/etc as directed by your surgeon will help prepare you for surgery the best as will making sure you have a good support system in place to help you through the recovery process.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Many surgeons do laser at the same time as a facelift. I think it makes for a tough recovery .  Also some surgeons are concerned that it will cause healing problems. I don’t laser at the same time but many surgeon do. It’s your choice

Ali Charafeddine, MD · Answer

The safety and combination of facial procedures depend on individual factors, including the specific amount of downtown the patient is willing and able to undergo. Your trained doctor will guide you on safe combinations based on your unique needs. Trust their advice to ensure procedures complement each other, targeting your concerns with minimal risk. If a staged approach is recommended for safety or recovery, your doctor will advise on the optimal order, prioritizing your main areas of concern first! 
When considering additional procedures alongside a lower face and neck lift, a great option is fat transfer. This involves replenishing lost volume, particularly in areas like the cheeks and under the eyes.
In addition to fat transfer, upper eye blepharoplasty is a popular choice which aims to maintain a natural and smooth appearance of the upper eyelids, steering clear of the hollow look seen in some cases.
For addressing lines around the lips, crow's feet, and excess skin under the eyelids, laser resurfacing is a viable solution.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I think it’s been reasonably well documented that CO2 laser in conjunction with facelift surgery does not increase complications by any significant amount.
If I remember one of the authors, who wrote the paper was Bruce Achauer MD.
Your surgeon should’ve given you an instruction list of what to expect after the procedure. CO2 ablative surgery leaves people somewhat unpresentable for a week or two after the procedure.
The most important part of preparation is provider selection, and I’m guessing it’s a bit late to reconsider that at this point.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

James Hoyt, MD (retired) · Answer

Preparing for a facelift with a brow lift involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and successful surgery, as well as a comfortable recovery. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare:Preoperative Consultation:1. Consultation with Your Surgeon:• Schedule a thorough preoperative consultation with your plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the expected outcomes and the recovery process.2. Medical Evaluation:• Undergo a complete medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health for surgery. This may include blood tests, imaging, and other diagnostic tests.Lifestyle Changes:3. Smoking Cessation:• If you smoke, consider quitting at least several weeks before surgery. Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications.4. Medication Review:• Inform your plastic surgeon about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before surgery.5. Avoid Certain Medications:• Your plastic surgeon may advise you to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the weeks leading up to the surgery. Follow their instructions carefully.Preparing for Recovery:6. Arrange Transportation:• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you during the initial recovery period. You may be groggy from anesthesia, and having assistance is crucial.7. Postoperative Care:• Prepare your home for a comfortable recovery. Stock up on essentials, such as soft foods, medications, and any necessary medical supplies.Physical Preparation:8. Healthy Diet:• Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet in the weeks leading up to surgery. Proper nutrition supports healing.9. Hydration:• Stay well-hydrated before surgery, but avoid excessive alcohol consumption.10. Exercise:• Follow your plastic surgeon's guidelines for preoperative exercise. Staying physically active can contribute to a smoother recovery.Mental and Emotional Preparation:11. Emotional Support:• Seek emotional support from friends or family members. Having a strong support system can be beneficial during the recovery process.12. Realistic Expectations:• Develop realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. Understand the recovery process and be patient with the healing journey.Postoperative Planning:13. Follow-Up Appointments:• Schedule and confirm all necessary postoperative appointments with your plastic surgeon.14. Recovery Time:• Plan for an adequate recovery period. You may need to take time off work and avoid strenuous activities during the initial weeks.15. Avoid Sun Exposure:• Limit sun exposure, and use sunblock to protect your skin during the recovery period.Always follow your plastic surgeon's specific instructions, as they may have recommendations based on your individual case. Open communication with your plastic surgeon and adherence to preoperative and postoperative instructions are key to a successful facelift with a brow lift.

Preparing for a facelift w/brow lift

Answers (6)

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