For most people, the hardest part about deciding to opt for a facelift surgery is the fear of the unknown. Sure, the road to having a rejuvenated appearance is not always an easy one. Although some patients would need minor tuning to alter their appearance with some non-invasive procedures, others definitely require an Atlanta facelift to achieve a look that finally reflects their youthful personality.

A facelift procedure is an ideal one for the type of facial skin that begins to sag or has too many wrinkles. When it comes to a facelift, several techniques are there to help address the issue of excess fat or loose skin deposits in the neck and lower neck. Once they perform the surgery, the results work wonders to produce a younger looking appearance for the few coming years. Approximately, the results of a facelift can last for about ten years after the surgery.

Before and after a facelift, you have to prepare for so many things, which should help you on the path of recovery. You may also have so many questions, while your surgeon may be the best person to answer specific questions; here are five dos and don’ts that should help to prepare you in the first place.

DO Have Realistic Expectations

Even though you may be quite excited about seeing the results of your facelift, it is vital that you should be able to maintain some realistic expectations from the surgery. A key factor you have to consider is that your facelift surgery will not change your appearance drastically. Most people will not actually notice a sudden difference about you, but you will appear refreshed and revitalized. This reaction is often the true mark of the facelift surgery and you do not want to appear done or “fake.” In addition, you should note that you would not see the outcome of your surgery immediately, so you should prepare yourself for the recovery phase with an open mind and you should have some patience.

DON’T Cut the Recovery Phase Short

Even though it may be tempting for you to jump back to your normal lifestyle and routine right after the facelift, you need to take some days off and do absolutely nothing to heal fast. According to experts at Crispin Plastic Surgery, if you rush your recovery phase, this will increase the likelihood of your complications and slow down the process of healing.

The recovery process often varies from one person to another, but in general, you will be able to cover up most of the signs of the surgery with some makeup after ten days of the procedure. For about three weeks, you have to plan to take one to two weeks off and avoid any form of strenuous activities. Before you head back to an intense workout schedule or work, consult your plastic surgeon to be sure that your body will be able to take it and you will be on the right track towards recovery.

DO Be Clear About Your Medications

Your plastic surgeon needs to ask you about all your medications that you are taking now. It is best that you be as transparent and honest with your surgeon and provides all the necessary information to make sure of your safety and help you get the best results of the facelift. You should not forget that herbal supplements and vitamins all count as medications too, and some act as blood thinners. Hence, taking them before the surgery is not a good idea.

Some of the supplements and medications that you need to stop taking some weeks before your facelift surgery include:

• • Naproxen
  • Aspirin
  • Coenzyme Q-10
  • Vitamin E
  • Ibuprofen
  • Saint John’s Wort

DO Plan Well Ahead of Time

The recovery process could be a stress-free experience, especially if you do some prep work way before time. The first thing you have to do is conduct a thorough research on your own and read up all the facts there are before your procedure. This should help you to know exactly what you should know about the surgery and what you need to expect.

Another important aspect is to have an adult around with you, who could help you to take care of all your daily activities such as grocery, laundry, pet care, and your grocery shopping.

Finally, you have to keep yourself in a relaxed mood during the recovered zone, complete with blankets, pillows, books, crossword puzzles as well as some other elements of entertainment to help you through the recovery phase.

Don’t Smoke

You should avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before the time of your facelift surgery in Atlanta. Smoking is a bad habit and it could hinder your body’s ability to recover or heal after the surgery. In addition, it can increase your risks of complications as the procedure takes place. You should check with your plastic surgeon about their recommendations in advance, on how you need to quit before the surgery. The general recommendation is that you need to quit smoking for at least four weeks before and about four weeks after your surgery.