face lift surgery - the procedure

Before your face lift surgery

The Cosmetic Surgeon may suggest that you lose weight to give you the best possible long lasting result.
Your Cosmetic Surgeon will also suggest that you stop smoking - an important part in assisting wound healing.
If you colour your hair, it is advisable to do so before surgery as it will be several weeks afterwards before it is again safe to do so.
You may want to bring sunglasses to wear after surgery to hide some of the swelling and bruising.

The Cosmetic Surgeon will visit you in your room to obtain your final consent and mark the face with a pen in preparation for your surgery.
If you have any final questions it is important that you ask your Cosmetic Surgeon at this time.

When you wake up from your surgery you will have dressings on the face and possibly drainage tubes in place.
Painkillers will be offered if required, however it is not regarded as a painful procedure, more uncomfortable due to the 'tight' feeling.
You can expect to be in hospital for 1 or 2 days, any drainage tubes will be removed before you go home.

It is advisable to rest with your head propped up in the early days and avoid bending, lifting or sudden movements of the head.
You will be advised on when you can wash your hair and this will help to make the removal of the stitches easier.
It is very important that you attend the appointments to care for your wound and see your Cosmetic Surgeon.
It will be possible to return to work once the stitches have been removed and the bruising and swelling have settled, approximately 2 - 3 weeks.
You will have your own personal Nurse Counsellor both before and after your procedure to support you and answer any questions you may have.