I am 45, undergoing my first facelift procedure in two weeks. What sorts of dietary and/or exercise precautions should I take before my surgery, and how far in advance?
Answer:
Patients that are undergoing a facelift procedure should make some dietary and lifestyle changes before the procedure. I ask that all of my patients that are undergoing plastic surgery start changes two weeks before the date of the procedure. At that time, they are asked to stop all medications and vitamins that may interfere with coagulation. A list is given that includes all of the ones to avoid. At that time, 2000 mg of vitamin C a day are begun. The high dose vitamin C helps to decrease the bruising and speed the healing after the facelift surgery. Alcohol, including wine, is stopped 5 days before surgery. Alcohol interferes with the blood clotting and also increases bruising. Exercise is stopped 2 days before surgery. Patients who follow these directions will have the highest possibility that their plastic surgery procedure, such as their facelift, will proceed and with the best possible outcome. These precautions are aimed at allowing the body’s coagulation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms to work best to provide an expedient recovery.
Posted by Dr. Bustillo