Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, CBC, is a nurse and health journalist, as well as an adjunct clinical faculty member at hospitals in the Philadelphia area.

William Truswell, MD, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngology (head and neck) surgeon. He is president of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and treats skin cancer patients as part of his practice.

If you are having cosmetic facial plastic surgery, you will need to prepare for your procedure several weeks in advance. Facelift, rhytidectomy, rhinoplasty (nose job), eyelid lift, forehead lift, laser resurfacing, and hair transplant are some of the elective surgical procedures that are done to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. 

Before your surgery, you will need to make some lifestyle adjustments and follow preoperative guidelines, such as medication modifications and not eating or drinking starting the night before your surgery.

Cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures may be done in the following locations,

If you are having surgery at an outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, you could be transferred to an affiliated hospital if you develop a health emergency.

Cosmetic facial plastic surgery is usually a same-day surgery procedure that doesn't require an overnight stay in the hospital. You need to have a friend or family member available to drive you home after your surgery.

You can wear comfortable clothing to your surgery appointment. You will have to change into a surgical gown for your procedure.

It's best to have a loose-fitting zip-up or button-up shirt to change into after your procedure. The surgical area on your face will be sensitive, and you shouldn't pull anything over your head and face.

You will likely be required to stop eating and drinking starting at midnight the night before your surgery.

You will be given specific instructions about the timing of eating and drinking at your pre-operative appointment.

If you do not follow these guidelines, your surgery could be canceled.

Make sure to bring a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you take to your pre-operative appointments, including the dosage.

You might be instructed to stop or reduce some medication doses for up to a week before your surgery.

Your surgical team will tell you which medications you should take on the day of your procedure.

Here is a list of items to bring with you on the day of your scheduled cosmetic procedure :

Following certain lifestyle habits prior to your procedure will help your recovery process and prevent postoperative complications.

Stay well hydrated, get plenty of rest, and eat a healthy diet. These habits can help keep your immune system at its best and help you heal faster.

The decision to have facial plastic surgery can be unnerving, but with the proper preparation, the results can be life-altering. Optimizing your body for surgery may include getting better sleep, avoiding sun exposure, and additional lifestyle changes.

It's important to remember to fully prepare yourself, your home, and your caregivers for what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

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American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift surgery.

Hunter Plastic Surgery. What to pack in your hospital bag before surgery. August 19, 2020.

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