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| Facelift: Preparing for Surgery |
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Your initial surgical consultation will include an evaluation of your overall health and an assessment of your face and neck. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any previous facial surgeries, whether you smoke or take any drugs or medications, particularly aspirin and other drugs that may affect blood clotting, and if you have a tendency to develop large scars.
As you discuss your desires and expectations, be totally honest with your surgeon, so that he or she can make the most informed decision as to the best technique for your needs. Your surgeon will describe the surgical technique, the recommended type of anesthesia and the surgical facility where the procedure will be done. He or she will also explain the risks and limitations and outline the various costs.
Your surgeon will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery including guidelines for eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and certain medications. Make sure you have someone who can drive you home after your surgery and help you at home for a day or two. If you develop an infection of any kind, especially a skin or respiratory infection, your surgeon may postpone your surgery until you are fully recovered, so as not to compromise your immune system.
During the surgery, your hair will be held back with rubber bands on either side of the incision line. Your head will not be shaved, but hair in front of the incision(s) may be trimmed. If the facelift is being performed under local anesthesia with a light sedative, you will be drowsy and may feel some tugging and pulling, although your face and neck will be numb to any pain. If general anesthesia is used, the patient is asleep through the entire operation. Deep sedation provides a level of anesthesia comparable to general anesthesia. The entire operation takes 3 - 5 hours. If you're having more than one procedure, such as facial resurfacing, a forehead lift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), it may take somewhat longer. For extensive procedures, your surgeon may schedule two separate sessions.
Your surgeon will schedule a series of follow-up exams after your surgery.
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