Full facelift

Preparation for Full Facelift Surgery

Proper preparation is key to ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery after Full Facelift surgery.

Before Surgery:

• Inform your surgeon about any allergies, serious medical conditions, and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Stop taking aspirin at least 2 days before surgery.
• Stop using vitamin E oil 1 day before surgery.
• Stop smoking at least 2 days before surgery and continue to avoid for 1 month after surgery.
• Plan to fast (no food or water) from midnight before surgery.
• Wear a shirt with front buttons on the day of surgery for comfort during recovery.
• The surgeon will explain the procedure details, surgical technique, location of operation, and realistic outcomes.
• Plan to stay in Thailand for at least 12 days after surgery.

Prepare comfortable clothing to wear after hospital discharge. A medical gown will be provided before entering the operating theater.

Things to Bring from Home:

• Button-up shirts (large size, easy to put on and take off)
• Loose, elasticated trousers
• Slip-on shoes or slippers
• Phone charger (long cable recommended)
• Wet wipes, moisturizer, and lip balm
• Books or magazines for entertainment
• Travel neck pillow

To organize planning trip for full facelift surgery.

• Day 0 - Arrival date (check in hotel)
• Day 1 - Consultation + Health checks + Preparation for surgery
• Day 2 - Surgery
• Day 3 - Discharge from hospital
• Day 3 to day 12 - Recovery period and Follow up
• Days 12 - Stitches will be removed
• Day 13 - Safe to fly

Preecha Aesthetic Institute, Bangkok Thailand.

Surgical Procedure - Full Facelift

During surgery full facelift, medications are administered to ensure your comfort. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, though your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option for you.

A traditional SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) facelift involves precise incisions, usually placed around the ear and extending into the lower scalp. During the procedure:

• Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls, and neck
• Underlying tissues and muscles are repositioned and lifted
• Excess skin is carefully trimmed and the remaining skin is red raped over the uplifted contours

Neck lift will be performed simultaneously to address sagging jowls, loose neck skin, or excess fat under the chin. The neck lift incision typically begins in front of the earlobe, wraps behind the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. Once healed, all incision lines are well concealed within the hairline and natural facial contours.

Visible improvements gradually appear as swelling and bruising subside. The final result not only restores a youthful and rested appearance but also enhances your confidence and overall self-esteem.

Post-Operative Care - Full Facelift

After a full facelift, it is normal to experience some soreness and discomfort, which can be effectively managed with prescribed medications. Dressings are usually removed within a few days, and if you were admitted to the hospital, you may be discharged the next day.

Common post-operative effects include:

• Swelling and skin discoloration, which typically subside within 1–2 weeks
• Tightness or numbness in the face and neck, varying in intensity and duration depending on the individual

The goal of a full facelift is to achieve a natural, refreshed, and attractive appearance. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process, and the final results are generally fully visible approximately three weeks after surgery, as swelling and other temporary effects continue to resolve.

Normal work can be resumed 7 days after a procedure (desk job). You should be able to shower and wash your hair 7 days after the bandages come off. However, vigorous activity should be limited for several weeks, including jogging, or any activity that increases your blood pressure within one month surgery.

Recovery Full facelift surgery timelines. 

• Removing incisions 7 - 10 days after surgery
• No heavy exercise 4 weeks after surgery
• Scars are usually well hidden and normally fade in time
• Swelling and bruising can be minimized by keeping the head elevated as much as possible during the first few weeks of recovery

SURGERY SCHEDULE

• Day 0 - Arrival date (check in hotel)
• Day 1 - Consultation and Prepare for Laboratory Testing
• Day 2 and 3 - Surgery and one night in hospital private room after surgery
• Day 3 - Discharge from Hospital
• Day 3 to Day 12 - Stay in hotel for recovery period and follow up on doctor appointments
• Day 12 - Stitches removal and final check up (seven to ten days following surgery)
• Day 13 - Safe to fly (check out hotel)

For local’s patient - You may resume to work seven day after surgery but must avoid heavy lifting object over the head or fast movement during four to eight weeks after surgery date.

For international patient - Please plan to be in Bangkok at least twelve days all together. Stitches will remove seven to ten days after surgery date. After departure from Thailand, you may resume to work within a few days but must avoid heavy lifting object over the head or fast movement during four  to eight weeks after surgery date.

◊ Any bruising and swelling will usually dissipate within 2 to 3 months after full facelift.