Pre Operative FaceLift Information
All cosmetic surgery involves risks and individual results vary. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Decisions about whether to proceed should be made after careful consideration and following at least two consultations with a qualified medical practitioner.
This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for deep plane facelift surgery with Dr Roth. Please read it alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment.
Full deep plane facelift information →
About the Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is the most anatomically comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation currently in widespread practice. It works at a deeper level than conventional facelift techniques — releasing the retaining ligaments of the face, elevating the skin and underlying SMAS as a single continuous unit, and repositioning the descended soft tissues of the face and neck. The result is a repositioned face rather than a stretched one. Results typically last 10 years or longer.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Most patients stay one night in hospital. Operating time is typically three to five hours.
Before Surgery
Medications to Cease
- Aspirin and aspirin-containing products
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) and all other anti-inflammatory medications
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprogesic)
- Warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — discuss with Dr Roth and your GP before stopping
- Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic tablets, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St John’s Wort
Smoking
Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking significantly increases the risk of skin flap necrosis — a serious complication in which the skin does not survive. This is not negotiable.
Fasting
Practical Preparations
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the first night
- Purchase prescribed medications in advance
- Plan two weeks away from work; six weeks off strenuous activity
- Prepare loose, front-opening clothing — nothing pulled over the head
- Wash hair the day before surgery — it cannot be washed for several days post-operatively
- Do not colour or chemically treat hair for two weeks after surgery
Recovery Timeline
Important Post-Operative Instructions
- Sleep with head elevated for at least one week
- Do not engage in strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or activities that raise blood pressure for four to six weeks
- Avoid hot showers directly on the face, saunas, and steam rooms for four weeks
- Do not colour or chemically treat hair for two weeks
- Avoid alcohol for two weeks — increases bleeding and swelling risk
- Protect scars from sun exposure for at least six months — use SPF50+
- Do not massage the face for eight weeks unless specifically instructed
- Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed
- Take paracetamol for pain — avoid ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory medications
- Attend all follow-up appointments — these are important for monitoring healing
When to Seek Urgent Assistance
- Rapidly expanding swelling on one side of the face (may indicate haematoma — requires urgent review)
- Brisk bleeding from the wound or drain site
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Increasing pain, redness, or wound opening
- Any new weakness in the face or around the mouth
Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439
Out of hours: attend the nearest emergency department.
Deep Plane Facelift — Full Information → | Facelift & Neck Lift Risks → | Contact the Rooms →
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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