Preparing for a facelift follows a six-week countdown, starting with nicotine cessation and medical clearance and ending with the specific logistics of surgery morning. Dr. John Harbison, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who completed a competitive fellowship at UC-Irvine under leading facial rejuvenation specialists, walks every facelift patient through this exact timeline so nothing is left to chance before surgery. This same level of detail carries through to the surgery itself, performed in Omaha Face's Quad A-accredited surgical suite in Elkhorn, NE, where patient safety protocols are held to the highest standard available for outpatient facial surgery.
Six Weeks Out: Nicotine, Medications, and Lab Work
The six-week mark is where the hardest requirement begins: complete nicotine cessation, including vapes (even 0%) and nicotine patches. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue and raises the risk of flap necrosis during facelift healing.
This stage covers a few non-negotiable steps:
- Nicotine cessation: Complete cessation of smoking, vaping, and nicotine patches, since restricted blood flow raises the risk of flap necrosis during healing.
- Medical clearance and lab work: Completed well ahead of surgery to confirm you're a safe candidate for anesthesia.
- Blood pressure optimization: Managed with your primary care physician heading into surgery.
Hematoma, the most common facelift complication at 1% to 3%, is closely tied to perioperative blood-pressure control, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine's PMC database, which is why this step is treated as non-negotiable rather than a suggestion.
Two Weeks Out: What to Stop Taking
Two weeks before surgery, attention shifts to medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk. Patients are asked to stop the following unless directed otherwise by their surgeon:
- Aspirin and NSAIDs
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Garlic supplements
- Turmeric supplements
- St. John's wort
Because many of these are supplements patients don't think to mention as "medication," Dr. Harbison asks patients to bring the actual bottles to their pre-op visit rather than reciting the list from memory. This catches items that might otherwise be missed.
Keep in mind, our facelift patients will attend an in-office pre-op appointment two weeks prior to surgery, in which we discuss all of the above in-depth. We’ll also discuss helpful supplements to support your healing and give you the best start possible.
One Week Out: Prescriptions, Groceries, and Setting Up Your Recovery Space
One week before surgery, preparation becomes practical. Set up your recovery essentials ahead of time so nothing is a last-minute scramble:
- Fill any needed prescriptions early so you're not searching for a pharmacy while recovering
- Stock your kitchen with soft foods and low-sodium options to help limit post-surgical swelling
- Arrange a recliner or wedge pillows so you can sleep with your head elevated
- Place ice packs and gauze near where you'll be resting
- Keep one nearby so nothing needs to be lifted overhead during the first few days of recovery
Arranging Your Driver and First-48-Hour Caregiver
Two logistics items are non-negotiable ahead of facelift surgery: a driver for surgery day and an adult caregiver present for the first 24 to 48 hours afterward. You will not be able to drive yourself home, and you should not be alone during the earliest and most disorienting hours of recovery.
If you have children or pets at home, arrange care for them in advance so you aren't managing those responsibilities while recovering. Out-of-town patients traveling to Omaha Face for surgery should also see our traveling patients page for more info.
The Night Before and the Morning Of
The night before surgery:
- Follow your NPO (nothing by mouth) instructions exactly as given by our team
- Wash your hair since you won't be able to easily shower for a few days afterward
- Skip makeup, lotions, and jewelry on surgery morning
- Wear button-front clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head, since your face and neck will be tender and bandaged after surgery
- Leave valuables at home, and plan your arrival time based on the instructions provided during your pre-op appointment
Timing Surgery Around Work, Travel, and Events
Recovery timing depends on the nature of your work and any upcoming plans. Return-to-activity timelines generally break down as follows:
- Desk-based work: Typically manageable again in roughly 10 to 14 days.
- Physical jobs: Generally require three to four weeks before returning.
- Air travel: Clearance is determined on a case-by-case basis based on your healing progress.
- Major events: Weddings or other major photographed occasions warrant a minimum three-month buffer before the date to allow swelling and bruising to fully resolve.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons maps the facelift healing course in detail from day 1 through day 30 for patients who want a fuller week-by-week picture.
Pre-Op Checklist FAQ
Can I drink alcohol before my facelift? Alcohol should be avoided in the two weeks before surgery, similar to other blood-thinning substances, since it can increase the risk of bleeding and swelling.
Can I take Tylenol before surgery? Acetaminophen is generally considered acceptable when NSAIDs and aspirin are not, but confirm this directly with Dr. Harbison's team, since every patient's medication list is reviewed individually.
What if I get a cold before my surgery date? Contact our office right away if you develop a cold, fever, or infection before your scheduled date, since surgery may need to be postponed until you're fully healthy.
Can I color my hair before surgery? Yes, hair coloring is generally fine well before surgery, but avoid coloring or chemical treatments in the days immediately surrounding your procedure since you won't be able to wash your hair normally afterward.
Do I need to stop supplements if they're natural? Yes. Natural and herbal supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo, and garlic can still thin the blood and increase bleeding risk, so they follow the same two-week stop rule as other blood thinners.
Dr. Harbison Can Guide You Through Every Facelift Pre-op Step
Every patient at Omaha Face receives a personalized pre-operative plan that accounts for their health history, medications, and lifestyle. Dr. Harbison and his team will review this exact checklist with you in detail during your consultation. Call our Elkhorn, NE office at (402) 685-3722 to get started.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
