Cosmetic surgeries are pretty common in the United States. It’s estimated that about 15 million Americans get cosmetic surgeries. That’s the highest rate of cosmetic surgeries worldwide.
Facelift surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States. It’s a multi-billion industry with over a hundred thousand Americans getting it annually. Despite being a relatively safe process, it’s vital that you know more about it and what you need to do before your surgery to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. You first need to know what kind of facelift procedure you’re getting.
Face Lift Types
There are now multiple types of face lift procedures available. The most common type is the traditional facelift.
Traditional Face Lift
Traditional facelift utilizes an incision that starts above the temple hairline, extends around the ear (often called an “earlobe lift,” and continues into the lower scalp. This gives your surgeon the most access to underlying facial structures and muscles. Next, the skin is lifted, excess fat removed, and often repositioned or removed entirely. The deeper layers of your face are then tightened before the skin is redraped over the new contours of your face and closed with stitches.
Endoscopic Face Lift
An endoscopic facelift is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. This procedure uses small tubes with a light and camera attached (endoscope) to guide your surgeon as they make tiny incisions behind your hairline. The endoscope allows your surgeon to see and work on the underlying facial structures without having to make a large incision.
Limited Incision Face Lift
A limited incision facelift is often used in patients who only need a small amount of skin lifted. This type of procedure uses shorter incisions than a traditional facelift, limiting the amount of skin the surgery can lift. It’s often used in patients with good skin elasticity and does not require a lot of correction.
PDO Thread Lift
A PDO thread lift is a newer type of facelift that uses threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO) to lift and tighten the skin. The threads are inserted through small incisions and pulled tight. The threads dissolve over time, but the skin will remain lifted. These must be FDA-cleared PDO threads since they’ll be entering your skin. An FDA-cleared product will ensure you’re safe from any harm during the procedure.
On the other hand, having a non-FDA cleared PDO thread can cause serious infections. Moreover, it can lead to many skin problems like skin cancer.
Once you know the type of facelift procedure you’ll get, it’s time to start preparing for it. Here are some things you should do before your facelift surgery.
Avoid Blood Thinners
You should avoid taking blood thinners such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen for two weeks before surgery. These medications can increase your risk of bleeding, leading to blood loss during surgery. If you must take them, check with your surgeon first.
Stop Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of complications during and after surgery. It also slows down your healing process. If you smoke, you should stop at least two weeks before your surgery.
Get a Medical Check-Up
It’s essential to have a medical check-up before your surgery. This is to make sure that you’re healthy enough for the procedure. In addition, your surgeon will likely order some tests, such as a blood test, to check for any underlying medical conditions that could complicate your surgery.
Arrange Someone to Drive You Home
You shouldn’t drive after your surgery since you’ll be under anesthesia. When someone is under anesthesia, they tend to be sleepy and cannot feel pain. They may also have a tube placed in their throat to help them breathe. Therefore, it can be problematic for you to drive yourself during this time.
Instead, arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home after your procedure. If you can’t find someone, get a taxi.
Prepare for Recovery
Recovery from a facelift can take several weeks. During this time, you’ll likely experience some swelling and bruising. You’ll also be asked to sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling. Having someone stay with you for at least the first few days after your surgery is essential. You should also take it easy for at least two weeks after your surgery.
Now that you know what to do before your facelift surgery, you can start preparing for it. Just be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions and take things easy during your recovery.
