FACE/NECK LIFT

The Pre-Operative Visit
Approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery you will meet with Dr. Parson. You will be asked to stop taking medications that can lead to surgical complications, especially bleeding. A list of medications to be discontinued will be reviewed. A general physical examination will be performed to ensure that no underlying medical problems exist that may interfere with the safety of the surgery. Patients with high blood pressure must have their condition well-controlled prior to surgery and should plan to take their blood pressure medication right up to the time of their operation.

Cigarette smoking must be discontinued for one month prior to operation. Serious wound healing complications can occur in patients who are exposed to smoke, even passively.

A prescription for pain medication and antibiotics will be written, so that you have your medication when you return home from the operation.

Pre-operative photographs are taken so that you can see the improvement from your surgery afterwards. You will be asked to sign a surgical consent, which enumerates the risks of the procedure in detail. These risks have been explained here, but are also discussed at the first office visit.

You will need to arrange for an escort to drive you to and from the surgery center. Patients cannot operate motor vehicles after surgery, and we will not place recently sedated patients into taxis for transport home. We can arrange for medical transportation in the event that you cannot find an escort. It is mandatory to have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery for your comfort and safety.

The Day of Surgery
Dr. Parson typically performs his facelifts at a licensed surgery center, under general anesthesia. You will be asleep during the entire procedure. Continuous monitoring of your vital signs is carried out throughout the operation.

Incisions are marked prior to taking you to the operating room. Your hair is gathered in rubber bands to keep it out of the incision lines. Minimal amounts of hair are clipped to provide exposure to do your surgery.

The procedure usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of your particular procedure. Incisions are made around the ear. Excess skin is removed and the skin is then stitched with very fine suture material. A small drainage tube is placed just beneath the skin and is connected to a suction bulb to drain any small amounts of blood in the first 24 - 48 hours. A non-constricting bulky dressing is applied for comfort and to minimize swelling and bruising.

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