How to prepare before a facelift?

The facelift is a plastic surgery procedure to improve facial appearance by addressing the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. This procedure allows reposition lax skin, to tighten sagging structures and restore a firmer, rejuvenated appearance. It targets visible signs of ageing skin and muscle laxity. Certain wrinkles, such as those around the eyes or mouth, are not addressed by a facelift. To correct these areas, complementary procedures may be necessary, such as chemical peels, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), dermabrasion or botulinum toxin injections.

The facial lift procedure can take several forms depending on the targeted area. The frontal lift reduces glabellar lines and repositions the brows. The neck lift addresses excess skin and fat in this region. The temporal lift corrects brow descent. The endoscopic lift of the face uses small incisions to elevate the upper and midface. The mini lift, less invasive, refines the facial contour. Finally, the centro-facial lift targets the lower eyelids, cheeks, and tear troughs. Combined or used individually, these techniques enable a personalised approach to facial rejuvenation, accounting for each face’s unique characteristics.

Before a facelift, a rigorous preparation is essential to ensure patient safety and the quality of results. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon assesses skin condition, facial muscle tone and patient expectations to confirm the procedure’s feasibility. A medical assessment, including blood tests and in some cases an electrocardiogram, aims to detect any contraindications to anaesthesia or surgery. A mandatory consultation with the anaesthetist allows anaesthesia to be tailored to the patient’s profile and reduces preoperative risks. Stopping medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories or certain supplements (vitamin E, omega-3, ginkgo) is essential as they increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, which can impair healing or aesthetic results. The smoking cessation is crucial because nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing tissue oxygenation and increasing the risk of healing complications such as skin necrosis.

In practical terms, washing the hair the day before prevents this challenge during the initial postoperative days when dressings are in place. It may be advisable to select garments that are easy to put on to avoid placing strain on the face and sutures. Attending in a fasting state reduces the risk of vomiting under general anaesthesia, a serious complication known as pulmonary aspiration. The absence of makeup, jewellery and nail polish lowers infection risk. Plan a rest period after the operation that allows management of normal postoperative effects such as oedema, bruising and fatigue while ensuring adequate postoperative monitoring. Each recommendation aims to enhance procedural safety, optimise healing and support harmonious, long-term results.

• TREPSAT F. & al. Volumetric face lifting. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (2001).

• BARTON F. E. & al. Face Lift. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (2015).

• ZINS J. E. Facelift: History and Anatomy. Clinical Plastic Surgery (2019).

• MENDELSON B. & al. Asian Face Lift with the Composite Face Lift Technique. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (2022).