Preparing for a Deep Plane Facelift: A Four-Week Checklist Before Surgery

6 hours ago

4 min read

Quick answer: Start preparing about four weeks before a deep plane facelift. Stop smoking and all nicotine products, stop blood-thinning supplements and medicines only as your doctors advise, get your blood tests and medical clearance, keep your weight stable and plan help for the first week. In the last days, wash your hair the evening before surgery, remove make-up and jewellery, follow the fasting instructions and pack front-buttoning clothes.

Key takeaways

Nicotine is the single most important avoidable risk factor for skin healing problems.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E and several herbal supplements increase bleeding.
Blood pressure must be well controlled; high blood pressure raises the risk of haematoma.
Plan at least 10 to 14 days off work and about 2 to 3 weeks before social events.
International patients usually plan 10 to 14 days in Istanbul.

Four weeks before surgery

Stop smoking and nicotine: cigarettes, vapes, nicotine gum and patches all narrow the blood vessels of the skin. Stay off them until at least 4 weeks after surgery.
Medical check-up: share your history, current medicines and any heart, blood pressure, diabetes or bleeding problems.
Stable weight: avoid rapid weight loss or gain before surgery.
Photographs: send clear photos from the front, both sides and three-quarter views without make-up.

Video: Scarless facelift with neck lift and eyelid surgery: before and after. Watch on YouTube

The video above, viewed more than 7.1 million times, shows a woman before and after a scarless facelift with neck lift, nano fat injection, laser tightening, eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty by Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.

Deep plane facelift before and after
Deep plane facelift before and after
Facelift before and after

Two weeks before surgery

Stop bleeding-related supplements: fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic tablets, ginseng and turmeric supplements, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Pain relief: use paracetamol (acetaminophen) instead of aspirin or ibuprofen if you need it, unless your doctor advises differently.
Prescription medicines: never stop blood thinners or heart medicines on your own; your doctors will decide.
Alcohol: stop at least one week before surgery.
Skin and hair: avoid strong peels, retinoids and new fillers on the face; ask before colouring your hair.

"Many complications that patients fear are prevented in the weeks before surgery, not on the operating table. The smoking question is the one I ask twice." — Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas

The week before surgery

Confirm your travel, hotel and the person who will accompany you.
Prepare your recovery space: pillows or a wedge, a recliner if possible, ice packs, easy-to-eat soft foods.
Buy front-buttoning or zip tops so you do not pull clothes over your head.
Arrange childcare and pet care for the first week.

The day before and the day of surgery

Wash your hair and face the evening before; do not apply creams, make-up or hair products.
Remove jewellery, piercings and contact lenses.
Follow the fasting instructions exactly.
Take your usual morning medicines only if you have been told to.

Video: Scarless facelift before and after: from surgical markings to the 7-day result. Watch on YouTube

The second video, viewed more than 2.4 million times, shows the pre-operative markings and the 7-day result of a scarless facelift with lifting of the cheeks, jawline, neck, brow and eyelid area.

What to pack for Istanbul

Front-opening clothes, a scarf and a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
A travel neck pillow for sleeping and the flight home.
Your medicines, a list of them and copies of medical reports.
Lip balm, a gentle cleanser and dry shampoo, if your surgeon allows it.

Read how long to stay in Istanbul after a facelift and how to sleep after a deep plane facelift.

Questions to settle before you book

Which technique will be used and which areas will be treated?
Will it be done under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia? See facelift under local anaesthesia.
What does the quotation include: hospital stay, follow-up visits, garments, medicines?

Mental preparation

The first week can feel emotional: the face is swollen, tight and bruised, and it is normal to wonder whether you made the right decision. Knowing this in advance helps. Plan small, pleasant activities that do not strain the face, such as audiobooks, films and short walks. Read do patients regret facelift surgery.

Planning around work and events

Most people return to desk work after about 10 to 14 days.
Allow about 3 weeks before photographs or important social events.
Avoid heavy exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Do not plan sun holidays in the first 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a facelift should I stop smoking?

At least 4 weeks before surgery, and you should stay off all nicotine products for at least 4 weeks after.

Which supplements should I stop before a facelift?

Fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng and turmeric supplements are commonly stopped about 2 weeks before surgery. Always follow your surgeon's list.

Can I colour my hair before a facelift?

Usually up to about a week before surgery; after surgery, wait until the incisions have healed, often 4 to 6 weeks.

Should I lose weight before a facelift?

Reach a stable weight you can maintain. Large changes after surgery can affect the result.

How many days should I plan off work?

Most patients plan 10 to 14 days; social events are usually comfortable after 2 to 3 weeks.

About the Author

This article was written and medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience. He is the author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press, 2020), has more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications and five patents, and teaches facelift and rhinoplasty techniques to surgeons at international courses. Read more about Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.

Individual results vary. Before and after photos and videos are shared with patient consent. This article is for general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation.

See More Before and After Results

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