You will consult with Dr Prashant and discuss exactly what bothers you about your face.Even if it is a minor problem, mention it beforehand. Dr Prashant will explain the options; discuss exactly what he plans on doing and what you should expect after surgery. Photographs of your face will be taken and Dr Prashant and may review your photographs with you to make sure you are both in agreement with the goals of the surgery. You may consider letting your hair grow long to help hide the scars while you heal.

You will need to avoid aspirin and aspirin containing products for 2 weeks before surgery. Also, completely quit smoking at least four weeks before surgery. You should avoid getting a suntan as well. If you use skin rejuvenation creams like stop using these 1-2 weeks before surgery.

Each surgeon uses his own technique; the one he is most comfortable with. However, there are basic principles and philosophies which are followed. Basically, the surgeon needs to decide what the “problem areas” are and how he will improve them. Extra skin will be removed and the remaining skin will be tightened. What varies is that, if anything is done to the deeper structures. The main deep structure which the surgeon will address is called the SMAS (SubMuscular Aponeurotic System) This is a fascial layer under the skin, most surgeons will tighten the SMAS with the belief that this gives a better and longer lasting result. Even though more structures are being pulled, the patient is actually left with a less “pulled look” (which nobody wants).

It will take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to finish the facelift surgery. The time depends upon how much is done and which type of procedure is done.

You will go to the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours. Your vital signs will be monitored. Once you are stable you can go home. You will want to stay relaxed and primarily in bed for the first few days. You will need to keep your head elevated and relatively still. You do not want to use any pillows directly behind your head for a few days (that flex your head down onto your chest). Your dressing and drains will be removed after 1 or 2 days. Your activity can slowly increase each day but it will take up to 2 weeks before you start to feel like your old self again. You should avoid any strenuous activity for 4 weeks.

The bruising is usually in the neck region. The bruising usually lasts for 2 weeks but becomes less noticeable each day after surgery. The swelling in the face will subside around 3 weeks. In some cases it may last upto 3 months. The majority of the swelling, however, will be gone by 3 to 4 weeks. There may be some pain after surgery, but this is usually controlled with painkillers.

You should plan on being off work for at least 1 week. If your work is strenuous, you will need more time off.