How to Prepare for a Facelift: 7 Essential Pre-Op Tips

For more than five decades, the Glasgold Group has focused exclusively on facial aesthetics, with international recognition in deep plane facelift surgery and an AAFPRS-affiliated fellowship that has trained 25+ surgeons. We perform one facial surgery daily for focus and safety, use accredited operating environments, and follow evidence-based perioperative protocols. What follows is what we teach our patients, grounded in current guidance from anesthesia, surgery, and public-health organizations.

1) Share a Complete Medication & Supplement List

Bring an up-to-date list of all prescription meds, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements
Some agents (e.g., anticoagulants, high-dose fish oil, ginkgo) can increase bleeding risk; others may interact with anesthesia
Decisions to pause or continue meds are individualized and made under the direction of your doctor, Dr. Glasgold, and the anesthesia team

2) Follow Current Guidelines for Fasting and Hydration

To lower the risk of aspiration, anesthesia best practices allow patients to drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before their procedure, for healthy elective cases (unless our team tells you otherwise)
This can help you feel more comfortable and may support your recovery
You will still need to avoid solid foods for a specified amount of time, but rest assured, we will provide specific timing based on your anesthesia plan

3) Stop Smoking/Vaping

Quitting 4–6 weeks before and staying smoke-free 4 weeks after surgery can cut wound complications by ~50%
If you need help, nicotine-replacement therapies are acceptable and may reduce complications versus continued smoking

4) Prep Your Skin

Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are often caused by the patient’s own skin bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci
Evidence supports pre-op bathing to reduce the overall bacterial load on the skin surface, which lowers the chance of organisms getting into the surgical incision
Plain soap + water effectively removes dirt, oils, and transient microorganisms through mechanical action (rinsing them away)
Avoiding lotions/makeup ensures the OR skin antisepsis can penetrate and adhere properly

5) Optimize Nutrition and General Health

Better protein intake, good hydration, controlled blood sugar, and adequate sleep can support healing and lower infection risk
We’ll review any lab work and personalized nutrition pointers during your consult

6) Plan Your Logistics

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay the first night
Prepare a comfortable recovery space (extra pillows for head elevation, easy-to-grab hydration, meds organized)
Verify your surgery is performed in an accredited facility that meets national standards
All facelift procedures with the Glasgold Group are performed in trusted, accredited environments
Our options include our private Princeton surgery suite and surgical centers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick and Robert Wood Johnson Surgical Center in East Brunswick

7) Set Expectations and Prepare Your Mindset

Beyond the practical details, it helps to approach your facelift with a clear understanding of what recovery looks like
Expect some swelling and bruising in the first two weeks, and remember that final results take months to fully emerge
Reviewing before-and-after photos, discussing likely timelines with Dr. Glasgold, and giving yourself permission to rest can ease anxiety
Patients who prepare mentally for the process often find recovery smoother and more rewarding

We’re Here to Help, From Pre-Op to Follow-Up

After deciding to pursue a facelift, you should move forward feeling informed, supported, and confident in your decision. With the Glasgold Group, you’ll have the reassurance of working with surgeons who specialize exclusively in facial aesthetics and have dedicated their careers to achieving natural, lasting results. Contact us today to book your consultation and learn more.

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