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By Ashley Gregory
Patient Care Coordinator

Hi, welcome to my video series, Ask Ashley, where we dive into the ins and outs of facial plastic surgery. I’m Ashley and I’m the patient care coordinator for Dr jesse Smith. Dr smith is a double board certified facial surgeon in North Texas. Today, we’re going to be talking about how to prepare for the facelift recovery process.

I want to make sure you’re well prepared for the journey ahead. Let’s get started.

How to prepare for facelift surgery before the procedure

All right, let’s kick things off with preparing for a facelift. Think of it as gearing up for a marathon.

Preparation is key. First you’ll need a consultation and health check. Make sure you have a thorough consultation with your surgeon. Discuss your medical history, any previous surgeries, current medications, and any other health concern. This is like giving your body the green light.

You’ll want to avoid certain medications. Your surgeon will likely ask you to stop taking blood thinning medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen. On the other hand, there are some medications we recommend you take, especially for facial surgeries. Arnica and bromelain are two pills that can help minimize bruising and swelling. You can take these about a week before surgery and after surgery as needed to help speed up your recovery.

Healthy lifestyle. Keep your body in tip top shape. Eat well, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking and alcohol. It’s all about setting the stage for a speedy recovery.

How to set up a recovery space at home

Now, let’s talk about creating the perfect recovery haven at home.

You’ll need a comfortable resting area. Set up a cozy resting area with plenty of pillows to keep your head elevated. Elevation helps reduce swelling. It’s a simple but effective trick. We recommend a 45 degree angle to keep your head above your heart. You’ll also need essential supplies. Gather all the essentials like gauze, cold packs, prescribed medications, and easy to eat healthy foods.

You’ll also need a notepad to record how much your drains are releasing fluid. Those drains stay in for about a week. Having all these supplies handy will just make it easier for you. It’s like having a little first aid station by your side. Also, you’ll need some entertainment and relaxation tools.

Don’t forget to line up some entertainment like books, TV shows or music. Keeping your mind occupied can make the recovery time fly by.

What support might patients need during recovery?

It’s helpful to have support and assistance during your recovery, especially in those early stages.

You’ll need transportation, so arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and even possibly to your follow up appointments. You’ll be able to drive yourself again once you’re off pain medications. This is typically about a week post surgery. You’ll need help with personal care. A friend or family member can be a huge help with daily tasks like meal prep and personal hygiene.

Think of it as having your own personal assistant for a little while. You’ll also need emotional support. Having someone around for emotional support can make a world of difference. A little encouragement goes a long way.

How much time should patients take off work?

Now it’s time to talk about taking a break from the daily grind. After your initial recovery period, if you work from home or have a virtual job, about 7-10 days should be adequate before you ease slowly back into work. If you see people on a daily basis, we recommend about 2-3 weeks off of work. This gives time for the initial swelling and bruising to subside.

If your job is physically demanding, consider taking closer to 4 6 weeks off. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And follow your surgeon’s advice. Always go with your surgeon’s personalized advice. They know best based on your specific situation.

Post-surgery care tips to promote healing

Let’s dive into some golden nuggets for post surgery care. Follow instructions. Stick to all the post op instructions your surgeon gives you. They’re going to be your road map to a smooth recovery.

Staying elevated. You need to keep your head elevated, even when sleeping. It’s a game changer for reducing swelling.

And take it easy. Dr smith likes to say, you just had a surgery, so act like you had a surgery. Let your body rest and recover. And be gentle, especially with your face and hair. Avoid any strenuous activities that might strain your incisions.

What to avoid during recovery

Here’s what to steer clear of during your recovery journey. Avoid strenuous activities. Skip the gym and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks. Your body needs time to heal. No smoking. Smoking is a big no no. It can slow down the healing process and increase risk of complications. Limit your sun exposure.

Protect your face and your new scars from the sun. Wear a wide brimmed hat and avoid direct sunlight. This will help your scars heal with less risk for pigmentation issues.

Managing expectations during the recovery process

Last but not least, let’s talk about patience and managing expectations.

Having realistic expectations is important. Results take time to develop. Swelling and bruising are part of the journey. Your face will feel tight at first, but once the swelling goes down, everything will settle in to look more natural. Most patients feel back to normal around the six week mark. Staying positive, focus on the positive changes and improvements.

Temporary discomfort is just that, temporary. And regular communication. Keep in touch with your surgeon. They’re there to help you every step of the way.

Well, that wraps up our guide to facelift recovery. Keep in mind that each recovery is personal. So adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations and allow yourself the time you need to heal.