What to Expect Before and After your Face Lift

Just like fingerprints, every face is unique. Therefore, every face responds differently to the aging process. For some people, the forehead becomes deeply lined. For others, the skin around chins and jaws begin to sag. Other still seem to show most of their again in their eyes. Of course, there are many variations and combinations of ways in which people age. Because every face is fundamentally different and ages differently, every face lift is unique to the particular needs of the patient.

The Initial Consultation: Defining Your Goals and Expectations

In your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will frankly and thoroughly discuss what you hope to achieve through your face lift. During the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your skin and the bones beneath your face. In so doing, he or she will begin to make a plan for your face lift surgery. Do your very best to make sure that you and your doctor understand one another before going forward with the surgery. Also, remember that plastic surgery is meant to offer improvements to one’s appearance, not create perfection. As any plastic surgeon worth his salt will tell you, perfection is a fantasy construct, and your aim should be to feel the best you can about the face you have.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Before undergoing any type of surgery, it is important to consult thoroughly with your physician. Your doctor will let you know if you are in good enough health to undergo the surgery and will also check to make sure that none of your medications will negatively interfere with your surgical procedure. Also, your plastic surgeon will give you advice on preparing for your surgery. Be sure to follow any guidelines regarding consumption of food, liquids, medications and vitamins.

If you smoke, be sure that your surgeon is aware of this. Smoking can inhibit the flow of blood to and through the skin. This can impede the healing process after your face lift. If you are a smoker, you will probably have to stop for at least two weeks before your surgery. It is also not a good idea to smoke directly after your surgery.

In most cases, face lift incisions are made behind and within the hairline. This is done so that scars can be hidden underneath your hair. If you tend to wear your hair quite short, you may want to grow it longer before your surgery. In so doing, you will be able to cover your sutures.

Make sure that you have a close friend or family member with you on the day of your surgery. You will need to have someone drive you home, make sure that you have all of the related medication that you need and help you for the first day or so.

After Your Surgery

As with any surgery, you will experience some discomfort after your face lift. Your surgeon should prescribe a painkiller that will help you through the worst of it. Of course, you should also expect some swelling around your face and head. This can be alleviated a bit by keeping your head elevated as much as possible and applying cold compresses.

If you have a drainage tube inserted into your skin during your surgery, this should come out within a day or two post-op. The stitches will follow about five days later. While your face may look thoroughly bruised, battered and swollen for a few weeks following surgery, the marks and swelling should soon give way to a younger, fresher-looking version of yourself.