Beauty Doc Blog

A facelift is a procedure that raises questions in the minds of many. What should be expected and what can be done by the patient to make the procedure go as smoothly and as successfully as possible. A few of the most common questions and the answers to them follow.

Q: Are there medicines that a patient should not take?

A: Yes. Some medicines can cause adverse reactions and should be avoided. Your doctor will provide you with a list of medications to avoid taking.

Q: Do I need someone to drive me to and from the surgery, or can I drive myself?

A: You should not drive yourself. Have someone bring you and pick you up.

Q: Can I take the medication I normally take on a daily basis?

A: It depends. Check with your doctor. Many medicines are fine, but some should be avoided until later.

Q: How much does a facelift cost?

A: Costs vary form case to case and procedure to procedure, but prior to committing you will be made aware of all possible costs including operating room, anesthesiologist fees, overnight facility expenses, pre-operative exam costs, lab tests, and cost of medications. When you are quoted a fee, always ask if it is inclusive, and if not exactly what it does and does not include. There is always more to it than just the surgeon’s fee.

Q: Will my health insurance cover the costs?

A: A facelift is a plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure, so health insurance does not cover the cost. However, financial aid is available. Click here for more information…

Q: Should I have a special diet before surgery?

A: No special diet needed but of course, eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids to feel good and maintain your overall health prior to surgery.

Q: Should I stop smoking?

A: Yes, both smoke and nicotine can cause severe damage after a facelift. Even one puff of a cigarette can be very harmful, and the nicotine found in patches and gum is harmful as well. If you wish, Zyban or other drugs that suppress the desire to smoke can be prescribed.

Q: What about the stitches?

A: You may need to care for the sutures yourself. If so your doctor will give you instructions on how to do so. It may involve twice daily cleansing with hydrogen peroxide, or a thin layer of triple antibiotic.

Q: Am I a good candidate for the procedure?

A: We’ll answer that with a question. Are you in good health? If so, do you have a reasonable attitude, expecting improvement but not perfection? Do you have laxity of the skin of the cheeks, forehead and neck? If so, you doctor will probably determine that you are a good candidate. Contact Grossman Plastic Surgery to find out for sure…