Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do a physical exam, imaging tests, or blood tests.

Before your procedure:

Avoid eating or drinking for 8-12 hours.

• Talk to your doctor if you take any medications, herbs, or supplements. You may need to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
• Arrange for a ride home and for someone to stay with you for the first night.

If you smoke, you will need to stop several weeks before your procedure. Smoking slows the healing process and increases the risk of scarring.

Anesthesia

You may be given:

• General anesthesia —you will be asleep during the procedure
• Local anesthesia—used to block pain, but you will not be asleep

Description of Procedure

The exact procedure will depend on what your needs are. Incisions are often made along the hairline from the temple to the scalp under the ear lobe. The skin will be pulled back to expose the underlying tissue. Fat may be redistributed, removed, or sculpted. The underlying muscles are tightened.

The skin is draped over the reshaped structures. Excess skin will be trimmed away before it is stitched back into place.

How Long Will It Take?

A few hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. You will be given pain medication.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

Right after the procedure, you will be brought to a recovery room where the staff will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. Recovery may also include:

• Pain medications
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Medication to prevent blood clots

At Home

You will need to keep your head and neck in a neutral and upright position, even for sleeping.

Be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions about wound care to prevent infection.