The Preparation Process for a Facelift Procedure

The skin is the largest body organ. As you advance in age, you may experience aging signs such as loose and sagging skin. You cannot stop the natural process of aging. However, if your face shows signs of aging, your cosmetic plastic surgeon in Pasadena may recommend a facelift procedure to improve your skin’s condition. This surgical procedure creates a younger look on your face by reducing folds on your cheeks, jawline, and other facial shape changes resulting from aging.

Preparing for a facelift

Like any other major surgery, a consultation with your surgeon is vital to confirm your eligibility for a facelift. Consultation should take place at least a month before surgery for your specialist to treat any medical problems you may have. During the discussion, your specialist will:

Review your current medications

Your surgeon may ask you to provide a list of currently prescribed drugs, herbal medications, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and vitamins.

Evaluate your medical history

During the consultation, your specialist may ask you questions about your previous surgeries, medical conditions, and complications from previous surgeries. If there are any concerns about your ability to undergo surgery, your specialist may ask for recent medical records from your doctor.

Examine your face

A facial exam involves taking images from different angles; up-close photos of particular features. Your surgeon may also examine your skin’s quality, bone structure, fat distribution, and the shape of your face. This is vital to determine the best approach for a facelift.

Manage your expectations

Your specialist will inquire about your desired outcome and help you understand some factors that a facelift does not address, such as naturally occurring asymmetry in your face.

Who is eligible for a facelift?

It is important to note that not everyone is the right candidate for this surgical procedure. There are times when your specialist may advise against a facelift. Below are factors that may present a major risk and undesired results:

•         Medical conditions. Chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes put you at risk of poor wound healing, heart complications, and hematomas. You may also not be viable for a facelift if your doctor diagnoses you with bleeding disorders such as Hemophilia A or B.
•         Smoking. Smoking increases your chances of getting an infection after surgery as it weakens your immune system. It may also result in poor blood circulation, which causes poor wound healing or the development of chronic wounds.
•         Weight fluctuation. The surgery results may not be satisfactory and may only last for a short time if you have a history of recurrent weight gain and loss.
•         Medications or supplements such as aspirin, fish oil, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will affect your blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of hematoma after the procedure.

After your doctor suggests that it is safe to proceed with surgery, you may need to stop taking blood-thinning medications if you were previously taking them. Your surgeon will require you to abstain from eating the night before surgery. The morning of the surgery, you will clean your face with clean water and germicidal soap as your surgeon sets everything to begin the process.

Younger-looking skin is attractive and boosts your confidence. Visit your specialist at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center for a facelift to improve your facial appearance.