How to prepare for facelift surgery: a pre-op guide

Deciding to have a facelift is a big step. It is not just about the procedure itself, but the whole process before and after surgery. A well-planned facelift preparation reduces stress, shortens recovery, and improves the final result.

At Klinika Višnjar, we want patients to come to surgery calm, informed, and without “surprises”. In this guide, we have gathered the main steps on how to prepare for the procedure, from the first consultation to the morning of surgery.

1. Consultation: the first and most important step

Facelift preparation starts with an honest and detailed consultation with the surgeon. At the first visit, we:

• thoroughly examine the face, neck, and skin quality
• assess the degree of sagging and volume loss
• check whether a facelift is truly the right solution for your situation
• talk through your wishes, fears, and expectations

At this stage, we explain the differences between techniques (SMAS facelift, deep-plane facelift, neck lift, combination with blepharoplasty or lipofilling) and why we would recommend a specific method for you.

During the consultation, we also ask for information about:

• your general health
• the medicines you take
• any allergies
• previous surgeries and procedures

This is not a formality, but the basis for safe planning of the procedure and anaesthesia.

2. Realistic expectations and a results plan

A facelift does not change who you are. It improves the way your face reflects age and energy. We always speak openly with you about:

• what can realistically be achieved
• which changes will be most visible
• what a facelift cannot solve on its own (for example, very superficial fine lines, or skin quality without additional treatments)

We often look at your older photos as well. This helps us understand how you looked before and what your “natural” facial structure is. Our goal is a natural result where you look rested and rejuvenated, not like “a different person”.

3. Medical tests and clearance for surgery

Before a facelift, basic pre-operative tests are usually required. Most often they include:

• blood laboratory tests
• ECG if needed
• consultation with an anaesthetist or internist if needed

Based on your health status and age, we tell you exactly which tests you need and where you can do them. Once we have all results, we confirm with the anaesthetist that the operation is safe for you.

If you take medicines for the heart, thyroid, diabetes, or blood pressure, we generally do not stop treatment. We adjust it in agreement with your doctor. We always write down precisely which medicines you must take on the day of surgery as well.

4. Medicines your surgeon must know about (and what to avoid)

A very important part of facelift preparation is medicines and dietary supplements. Some can increase bleeding, swelling, or affect anaesthesia.

Before surgery, please tell us if you take:

• aspirin or other medicines that affect blood clotting
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g. ibuprofen) as regular therapy
• anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• contraception in any form (pills, IUDs, patches)
• any supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo, high-dose garlic, vitamin E

We usually advise stopping or adjusting some of these medicines/supplements from a few days up to two weeks before surgery, but always by agreement and under medical supervision. Never stop medicines prescribed for chronic conditions on your own. First, we discuss it together.

5. Stopping smoking and drinking alcohol

If you smoke, this is the right moment to do your face and your health a favour.

Before a facelift, we advise:

• stopping smoking at least 2–4 weeks before surgery
• avoiding smoking after surgery during the healing period as well

Smoking significantly reduces blood flow to the skin, increases the risk of complications, and prolongs recovery. Similarly, alcohol dilates blood vessels, increases swelling, and can affect how medicines work.

It is best to avoid alcohol for at least a week before the procedure and in the early period after surgery.

6. Skincare before a facelift

Good skin preparation before surgery helps with smoother healing and the final appearance.

We recommend:

• regular, gentle facial cleansing
• moisturisers you tolerate well
• sun protection (SPF 30 or more), so you do not come to surgery with sunburned or irritated skin

Right before surgery, we advise against:

• aggressive peels
• strong acids
• laser treatments or microneedling treatments, unless they are part of a planned protocol agreed with us

On the day of surgery, you arrive without make-up, creams, or eye make-up.

7. Preparing your home and support after surgery

A facelift is not only “a day in the operating theatre”, but also several weeks of recovery. Preparing your home before surgery saves a lot of stress afterwards.

We recommend that you:

• prepare a resting area with your head elevated (two pillows or a wedge pillow)
• prepare light, healthy meals at home that you can warm up quickly
• make sure you have enough fluids (water, unsweetened teas)
• prepare clothes that open in the front (shirts, cardigans), so you do not have to pull them over your head
• organise transport home after surgery in advance, and support from a close person at least for the first day

For the first few days after a facelift, it is normal to feel more tired and not be able to do all usual tasks. It helps to plan this in advance instead of “improvising” after the procedure.

8. Psychological preparation: what the first few days will look like

A big part of preparing for a facelift is having a realistic picture of how you will look and feel in the first days after surgery.

After a facelift, you can expect:

• swelling that increases during the first 2–3 days and then stays stable for a while
• bruising, especially around the lower face and neck
• a feeling of skin tightness
• dressings and, if needed, a compression mask

Many patients say the first look in the mirror is a shock, even though we prepared them for it. That is normal. Surgery is a major event for the body and tissues, so the initial look is “puffy” and far from the final result.

At post-op check-ups, we guide you through each healing phase. It is important to keep this in mind before surgery so the early stage does not frighten you.

9. The day before and the morning of surgery

The day before surgery, we remind you once again of the instructions you received:

• for a procedure under general anaesthesia, you must be fasting, meaning no food or drink for 6 hours beforehand
• we confirm which medicines you still take in the morning
• we check again that you are not taking anything that could increase bleeding

On the day of surgery:

• come without make-up, creams, and jewellery
• do not use nail polish or false eyelashes
• bring all documentation we requested
• the team receives you, we review the plan again, and mark key lines on your face

Before you go into the operating theatre, you always have the chance to ask additional questions. We want you to go into surgery calm, without the feeling that you did not understand something or did not ask.

10. Conclusion: good preparation, a calmer facelift

Facelift preparation is a combination of medical tests, adjusting medicines and lifestyle, organising your home, and psychological preparation for the entire process.

At Klinika Višnjar, we guide you step by step through all phases:

• from the first consultation and examination
• through planning the facelift technique
• to exact instructions for preparation and recovery

If you are thinking about a facelift or you are already in the decision phase, you can read more about facelift here:

Facelift or Facial Lift – Klinika Višnjar in Ljubljana

At the consultation, we review your face, health status, and expectations together, and prepare an individual plan for how to prepare for a facelift so that the path to a new, fresher look is as safe and predictable as possible.