Cosmetic Surgery For The Face

How To Prepare For Cosmetic Procedures

The surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for any cosmetic procedure or combination of procedures.

• As with all surgeries, it will be necessary to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, a week or so before the procedure.
• It is especially important to stop smoking at least a week or two before and after the procedure. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin and can interfere with healing.
• People with short hair may prefer to let it grow for a while before having a face lift or brow lift. Longer hair can help conceal scars while they heal.
• Special medications are sometimes prescribed for pretreatment of the skin before a chemical peel. It may be necessary to treat the skin for as long as a month before the peel.
• It may be necessary to refrain from eating for several hours before the procedure.
• Most cosmetic procedures are done as outpatient surgeries under local anesthesia, but a driver will be needed for the trip home and some help may be needed for the first day or two of recovery. Occasionally the procedures are done in the hospital.