Once you’ve decided to move forward with a facelift, you’re probably wondering what you will need to do to prepare for the procedure. Being informed about the surgery and recovery process are key to achieving good facelift results. Here are some basics on preparing for a facelift and the recovery process.

Preparing for your Facelift

Before you schedule your facelift appointment, you will meet with Dr. Gilpin for a thorough consultation. During this consultation, you can ask any questions you may have and get a thorough understanding of the procedure plan. Dr. Gilpin will work to understand your goals and recommend a facelift option that best suits you, such as a deep plane facelift, limited incision facelift, or a combination of procedures such as laser resurfacing.

Once you’re determined to be a candidate for a facelift, you will have to have lab testing or medical evaluations performed to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. You will also have to stop taking certain medications as directed by Dr. Gilpin, including aspirin or anti-inflammatories. You should also begin caring for your skin carefully. Finally, if you smoke, you should quit well in advance of your facelift.

Preparing for Facelift Recovery

Before your surgery takes place, make any arrangements for care from family and friends, and purchase any necessary food and supplies. It’s good to have nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals and comfortable clothing ready for your recovery period. On the day of your facelift, you should dress in comfortable clothing that is easy to put on. It’s recommended to wear a top that does not need to be removed over your head, such as a zip-up hoodie.

What to Expect During Recovery

In preparation for your recovery period, you should arrange for someone to care for you and any children or pets during the initial healing phase, as well as drive you home from the surgery. Due to general anesthesia, you will be unable to drive yourself.

During the first day after a facelift, you can expect to feel sleepy and potentially disoriented. On the first day, patients typically require the most pain medication to remain comfortable. You will likely have a postoperative appointment with Dr. Gilpin on day two of your recovery.

Throughout the first two weeks of recovery, you can expect bruising, redness, and swelling throughout the face and neck. This may be more intense if you have opted for a deep plane facelift, which provides more comprehensive changes to the face and neck. Swelling usually peaks at day three or four and begins gradually dissipating into the second week. Discomfort can be alleviated using pain medication. Light activity, like walking, is encouraged.

Most facelift patients, including deep plane facelift patients, are ready to return to their normal routine by week three or four. However, you should still wait to return to exercise until cleared by Dr. Gilpin. By the thirty-day mark, you should be back to your regular routine. Some residual swelling or tightness may remain for up to a year but are only noticeable by the patient themself.

A Facelift with Dr. Gilpin

Real Patient Results

View Before & Afters

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about facelifts and find out if you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gilpin at Gilpin Facial Plastics in Nashville, TN. Call our office at (615) 551-9468 or request an appointment online.