Face-Lift (Rhytidectomy) Before Surgery
Before making the decision to have a face-lift, you should find out as much information as possible about the procedure, the surgeon and hospital you are being treated at.
Always discuss the procedure with your clinic or hospital first and then go away and think about it before making your decision. You should also have a consultation of at least an hour with your surgeon before going ahead. Do not be afraid to ask any questions and make sure all of your concerns are addressed before you sign on the dotted line. It is also a good idea to ask the surgeon if you can see before and after pictures of the previous work so you can see what results they have achieved with other patients. The most important thing is to make an informed decision that you feel confident about.
During your consultation your surgeon should take a thorough medical history and give you a consent form to sign to make sure you fully understand the possible risks and complications. It is very important that you read this form carefully. It is also important to make sure your surgeon is aware of any medical conditions you may be suffering from such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and bleeding disorders, as these can increase the risks associated with surgery. You should also inform your GP about having the surgery in case there are any problems later on.
After examining you your surgeon will explain your options and recommend what type of procedure(s) you may need to achieve the best result. They may recommend combining your face-lift with a brow-lift or neck-lift or facial implants.
To prepare for your surgery you should:
• Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for a period of 10 days before your surgery, because they thin the blood and make surgery more dangerous
• Give up smoking at least two months before the procedure, as it increases the risks and can delay the healing process.
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Continue to take prescription and daily medicines as long as they have been approved by your surgeon It is advisable to wash your hair thoroughly the day before your surgery to minimise the risk of infection and make sure you get a good nights sleep. You should also not drink any alcohol before having surgery.
