The patient can attain excellent facelift surgery results by preparing for the procedure beforehand. Facelift plastic surgery starts from the minute the cosmetic surgeon establishes a patient as a candidate for facelift surgery and gives them their approval to commence with the procedure.
The patient should follow the surgeon’s pre-operative guidelines in a dedicated manner for safe, consistent, and predictable outcomes.
Modern Body Contouring & Laser Center, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides facelift to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities.
Temporary Restrictions
The surgeon will require the patient to discontinue the use of tobacco for a specified period before and after facelift surgery. Nicotine obstructs proper blood circulation, which increases the surgical risks and leads to slow healing.
If the patient takes blood thinners such as aspirin or NSAIDs or certain herbal supplements and vitamin E, they may need to discontinue their use for some time. The surgeon may also change the schedule of prescription drugs in discussion with the prescribing doctor.
Practical Arrangements
Working professionals should budget for one to two weeks of leave from the workplace to heal from the facelift plastic surgery. Patients who are non-working will also need to postpone any social engagements for a minimum of one to two weeks.
The patient should ask a responsible person to drive them home following the surgery as well as arrange for aftercare for the first few days of the recovery period if required.
Ideally, the patient should complete any urgent or work-related tasks in advance of the procedure to enjoy a stress-free recovery period. In addition, they can create a recovery kit at home with the following items:
- Prescription meds and antibiotics
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Ice packs
- Bandages
- Comfortable, front-open clothing
- Extra pillows to keep the head raised
The Day before the Surgery
A day before the facelift cosmetic surgery, the patient should wash their hair properly to reduce the risk of infection. They should also avoid alcohol intake for at least 48 hours before the procedure. In addition, they should get plenty of rest and a good night’s sleep on the night before the surgery.
The Day of Surgery
Diabetic patients should have their vital parameters evaluated on the morning of their facelift surgery. The surgeon may put the patient on antibiotics prior to the surgery.
The patient and their attendant should plan for a complete day as the surgery may take nearly two hours with additional hours of observation in the recovery area. The surgeon’s team will provide the patient and their attendant with in-depth post-op recovery instructions before they leave for home.
Advance Arrangement for Aftercare
Patients, specifically those with little children, may consider arranging aftercare for the first few days of the recovery phase. With assistance in daily household chores in the initial few days, the patient can enjoy a relaxed recovery period.
Stemming from this, the patient should undertake any urgent tasks prior to the procedure to enjoy a stress-free recovery phase.
Plastic surgeons at MBody receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
