Preparing yourself for a facelift
You’ve decided to undergo a facelift. The date for surgery has been set and you are ready to say goodbye to your wrinkles. You have discussed your wishes and expectations at length with your plastic surgeon. For example, you know that there are different types of facelifts (such as the S-lift, MACS elevator, forehead elevator or a complete facelift) and how these procedures combat skin aging. Depending on the condition of your skin and the degree of aging on the one hand, and the expectation and desire on the other, it was decided to apply one of these techniques. In short, you are ready for surgery. Right?
Because it can be quite exciting to have a facelift done, our plastic surgeons will prepare you as best they can. Prof. Dr.
René van der Hulst
is happy to give you some additional tips to properly prepare for your facelift. Because for any surgery, but especially for a facelift, the better you prepare, the better the recovery will be.
Start with a healthy lifestyle
Being in good shape, both mentally and physically, before surgery can help with a better recovery. There are always risks of complications but we want to minimize them. In addition, the scar in cosmetic surgery is to be as beautiful as possible. Partly it has to do with the surgical technique, of course, but partly it also has to do with how your body heals. It is very important not to smoke because the risk of complications in the form of infection and wound healing problems is much higher in smokers than in people who do not smoke.
Healthy living and healthy eating also generally help recovery after surgery. So the period before surgery, it’s best to eat healthy because around surgery you often eat less. This is because, among other things, you must be sober, and you may also be allowed to eat only soft foods for the first few days.
One of our MOOI plastic surgeons often tells his patients, “Surgery is like a marathon, you can’t start that untrained.” He is absolutely right: Surgery is a drain on your fitness and your body. Fortunately, it is scientifically proven that the attack on your fitness and your body is a lot less when you go into surgery “trained.” That way, you keep energy to recover properly.
Additional nutrients
Around surgery, your body has an extra need for specific nutrients. That’s why R-Support has worked with a team of experts to develop two science-based shakes. These shakes contain the extra nutrients you need around surgery.
Arranging time off from work
It is also important to schedule a rest period after surgery. After all, if you start too soon, the scars may not be strong enough yet. If too much stretching occurs on the scars at too early a stage of healing (for example, because you started exercising too early), the scars become less attractive. So keep in mind your schedule after surgery. Besides healing, you may not want people to see right away that you have had surgery. So planning a period off between 2 and 3 weeks is definitely not a luxury. Facelift surgery is not a major operation and generally has a good recovery especially if you take these tips into account.
Arrange transportation
After the facelift, you cannot drive home independently and alone. Make an appointment with someone and have them take you and pick you up.
Getting a haircut
If you dye your hair, keep in mind that you cannot do so for up to a month after surgery. So visiting the hairdresser before your facelift surgery is not a bad idea. On the contrary, do you have very short hair? Then you can choose to grow it right before surgery. During the recovery period, hair can cover the scar(s).
Get these goodies in the house
After a facelift, you’d rather not go out the door. Your face may be swollen and show some bruising. Get stuff to cool your face with. Our tips is to get frozen peas in the house and divide them into sandwich bags. Frozen peas are not only healthy, they are ideal for refrigeration after surgery. Do always put a gauze between them when cooling. Of course, you can also cool with a coldpack.
Also get enough food in the house and, if necessary, prepare some meals in advance so that you only need to heat them up. In this regard, it is helpful to get mostly soft foods that do not require too much chewing. Yogurt and soup always do well!
Get enough paracetamol to get through the first few days. In consultation with the plastic surgeon, you will receive other painkillers. Also remember that it is better to avoid coughing and sneezing after surgery. Do you have an allergy or are you on medication? Always discuss this with the plastic surgeon.
It can also be nice to sleep with an extra pillow so you lie a little higher. Order an extra pillow in advance if you don’t have one at home.
In the bath or shower
Personal hygiene goes without saying, of course. After facelift surgery, you should not shower or bathe for a few days. Therefore, wash your hair and face well the day before surgery.
Personal consultation & preparation
Our plastic surgeons always prepare you well for surgery. During the consultation you will get a lot of information and also have the opportunity to ask all your questions. Have questions? Then contact us directly!
