Ultimate Guide to Preparing for a Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure aiming to make alterations on the facial appearance by addressing loose skin and wrinkles. Proper preparation is vital for achieving optimal results and ensuring a smooth recovery. Recent regulatory changes have introduced additional steps to enhance patient safety and care. In this blog, we share a comprehensive guide that outlines essential steps on how to prepare for a facelift surgery in Australia, incorporating these new requirements.

1. Obtain a General Practitioner (GP) Referral

As of 1 July 2023, all individuals seeking cosmetic surgery in Australia must secure a referral from their GP or another medical specialist before consulting a cosmetic surgeon. This step ensures that patients have the opportunity to discuss their motivations and receive a thorough medical assessment from a practitioner familiar with their medical history, current medications, and any allergies.

2. Attend Mandatory Consultations

Patients are now required to participate in at least two consultations with the surgeon before proceeding with cosmetic surgery. This process allows for thorough discussions about the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes, ensuring informed decision-making.

3. Undergo Psychological Assessment

A psychological pre-screening assessment is mandated to identify underlying conditions such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Surgeons utilize validated psychological screening tools to evaluate patients’ mental health suitability for the procedure.

4. Verify Your Surgeon’s Qualifications

Ensure your surgeon is accredited and experienced in performing facelift surgeries. In Australia, you can verify a surgeon’s credentials through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

5. Understand the Surgical Procedure

Have a comprehensive discussion with your surgeon about the specifics of the facelift procedure, including the techniques used, potential risks, benefits, and the expected recovery timeline. This understanding helps set realistic expectations and prepares you mentally and physically for the surgery.

6. Confirm the Facility’s Accreditation

Verify that your surgery will be performed in a reputable, accredited hospital or clinic equipped with appropriate facilities and staffed by qualified medical professionals. 

7. Ensure Postoperative Care Supervision

Discuss and confirm that your surgeon will provide or oversee your postoperative care, including follow-up appointments and management of any complications.

8. Adjust Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding. Your surgeon may advise you to stop taking medications such as blood thinners and specific herbal supplements before surgery.

9. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption

If you’re wondering what you should not do before a facelift? It will be smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking impairs blood circulation and can hinder the healing process. It’s recommended to quit smoking a few weeks before surgery. Similarly, avoiding alcohol prior can reduce the risk of complications.

10. Maintain a Stable Weight

Achieving and maintaining a stable weight before surgery is important, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results. A balanced diet supports healing and overall health.

11. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

Set up a comfortable recovery area at home equipped with essentials like pillows, ice packs, a thermometer, and a phone within easy reach. Stock up on healthy, easy-to-prepare meals, and arrange for someone to assist you during the initial recovery period.

12. Plan Your Post-Surgery Wardrobe

Choose clothing that is easy to put on and remove without pulling over your head, such as button-down shirts or zip-up hoodies. This minimises strain on surgical sites and enhances comfort during recovery.

13. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions

Adhere to all preoperative guidelines provided by your surgeon, including fasting requirements and skincare routines. Taking a shower and washing your hair on the morning of surgery is often recommended, as you may need to avoid these activities for a period post-surgery.

14. Arrange Transportation and Support

Ensure you have someone to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic. Having a friend or family member stay with you for at least the first 24 hours post-surgery is advisable to assist with immediate needs.

Key Takeaways

Verifying your surgeon’s qualifications, understanding the procedure, choosing a reputable facility, and ensuring comprehensive postoperative care are crucial components of a well-prepared procedure. Your proactive approach not only enhances your safety but also contributes significantly to achieving the realistic results from your cosmetic surgery journey.

If you have questions about facelift surgery, you may reach out to Artsite Plastic Surgery. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras, is a board-certified surgeon and the current Chairman of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, NSW Chapter. He can assist you with all your concerns regarding facelift and guide you throughout your facelift journey in Sydney. Book a consultation today. 

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.