Facelift Walnut Creek, CAA facelift is a serious surgical procedure that requires both artistry and skill. As your board-certified surgeon, it’s my duty to deliver optimal results and help restore your natural beauty. There are things you can do as a patient to ensure your recovery goes as quickly and as smoothly as possible. Spend a little extra time preparing so when the time comes, you can focus on yourself.

Two-Weeks Prior to Surgery

You may be surprised to learn just how much you can do in the weeks before your scheduled appointment. This is the perfect time to arrange for transportation and after-care help.

You may ‘feel fine’ in the hours following your surgery, but it takes time for the full effects of anesthesia to wear off. It’s important to make sure someone is available to drive you home. (A backup is a good idea too!)  The vast majority of my patients spend the first night in the hospital with a private nurse, so you’ll need transportation home the day after your surgery as well as the day of your surgery coming to the hospital.

While not essential, it is nice to enlist the help of a spouse, family member, or friend to stay with you for a day or two after the surgery when you return from the hospital.  You’ll be in the hospital, in a private room with a private nurse, for the first night following your surgery, and then you’ll return home.  You will be self sufficient, and many of my patients are home alone after their night in the hospital, but even little things like using the restroom, dressing, or walking upstairs can be tedious tasks immediately following your treatment. You may also want to plan on help with childcare and pet care for 1 week post-surgery.  We can also arrange for a private nurse or attendant to stay with you at home after surgery.

You’ll be asked to stop smoking (all forms of nicotine and marijuana), avoid Aspirin and other potential blood thinners which can hinder the healing process. I’ll give you a full list of medications to steer clear of at your consultation.  Edible cannabis products are acceptable, but discuss this with Dr. Barnett in advance of your surgery.

All lab tests should be turned in two-weeks prior to your facelift surgery. Payment should also be finalized at this time.

Facelift Walnut Creek

*Individuals Results May Vary

One-Week Prior to Surgery

This is the ideal time to take care of any loose odds and ends. Getting your recovery area prepared allows you to exert minimal effort and enjoy maximum comfort throughout your recovery period. Pre-cooking meals, decluttering your home of potential obstacles, and pre-planning your post-surgical wardrobe are all good ideas. Compile non-strenuous entertainment (books, magazines, DVDs, etc.) for the first week following your surgery so you can spend your recovery time doing what you’re supposed to…relaxing and recovering (and catching up on all those “binge-watching” shows you’ve wanted to watch… but haven’t had the time!)

Pick up the medications I’ve prescribed one-week before your appointment.

One-Day Prior to Surgery

Now’s the time to double-check with your designated driver.

Your evening routine should include a light schedule. Washing your hair thoroughly can help prevent the potential for infection. You’ll also be encouraged to avoid alcohol and get a good night’s rest the evening before your appointment. Do not eat any food or water 8-hours prior to your surgery – for most patients that means nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

Day-Of Surgery Preparation

Be on time for the surgery, so you’ll need to wake up early, and build in extra time for the following routine.  Don’t apply lotions, perfumes, hair products, or makeup on the day of your procedure. You can brush your teeth but do not swallow any water. It’s vital that your stomach be empty at the time of your surgery. Plan to arrive 2 hours early to complete paperwork during the check-in process. Bring any medications you’ve been taking (prescription and otherwise).  If you are taking routine medications in the morning, you should have discussed this with Dr. Barnett – some medications should be continued even the morning of surgery (with just a sip of water.)  Any questions, call us to confirm.

Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation to discuss about your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 362-1221.  Renee or Laurie will help and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!