
How to Prepare for a Face and Neck Lift
According to a comparative study, 97.8 percent of facelift patients described their procedure as successful. They thought that the improvement in their appearance was either very good or beyond expectations.
Want to make sure you’re a satisfied patient? Here’s how you can prepare for your face and neck lift.
Before Surgery
You prepare for cosmetic surgery the same way you would prepare for other procedures. Two important things you can do in the weeks leading up to your surgery are quitting smoking and staying hydrated. This will reduce the risk of complications and speed up your recovery time.
The day before your procedure, make sure your home is ready for recovery. You’ll be down for a few days, so prepare a comfortable place with your entertainment within reach and finish all your chores. Your surgeon will give you more specific instructions about when to stop eating and other pre-surgery details.
The Day of Surgery
You can expect that your face will be sore and bandaged when you wake up—and you can’t take the hospital gown home. Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t have to pull over your head, like a button-up shirt or a zip-up hoodie.
Any cosmetic procedure will take a few hours on the table, and a few hours in recovery before you can go home. You can get an estimate of how long it will take from your surgeon. Make sure the companion driving you home knows the time commitment, too!
Recovery
To help with bruising and swelling, which is normal, keep your head elevated as much as you can. A recliner is perfect for this, but if you don’t have one, you’ll need to have a decent stack of pillows to prop yourself up.
Depending on your procedure, you’ll be on some pretty powerful painkillers for a few days. You need to have someone to look after you and make sure you take your prescriptions at the right times. You won’t need round-the-clock supervision, but you at least need someone to check in on you every few hours.
You’ll also need a good supply of ice packs. The hospital should send you home with all the bandages and tape that you need.
Recovery time varies based on your procedure. After a rhinoplasty, you can be on your feet again after a few days. A facelift may take one to two weeks before you feel up to doing your usual activities.
Long Term Care
To make sure your face and neck lift looks beautiful for years to come, be sure to follow these instructions:
- Wear sunscreen or a hat to avoid too much sun exposure
- Maintain your weight by eating right and exercising regularly
- Don’t smoke
You should see the anti-aging effects of a full facelift for about ten years!
Prepare for Your Face and Next Lift
If you want your face and neck lift to succeed, you must prepare accordingly! Follow all the directions your surgeon gives you, and get ready for a beautiful new you!
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