Planning for Facelift Surgery
Proper facelift preparation is vital for a smooth experience and beautiful results. Dr. Rizk provides this simple guide to help you prepare, minimize anxiety, and ensure a safe, precise procedure.
Dr. Rizk’s facelift surgery technique and use of tissue glue can take years off your face and make you look youthful, not overdone.
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Prior to Your Surgical Procedure
- Arrange an escort to drive you home. No one is allowed to travel home on their own.
- Discontinue aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines 2 weeks prior.
- Begin taking any prescribed medications needed before surgery.
- Avoid drinking alcohol 3 weeks before surgery.
- Avoid herbal teas and supplements 1 week prior.
- Stop caffeine drinks 48 hours before surgery.
- Have NOTHING to eat or drink after midnight, the night before your surgery.
- Wear cotton underwear and comfortable, button-down clothing the day of surgery.
- Remove all jewelry and makeup before arriving.
- Set up your recovery space at home to complete your facelift preparation.
- Discontinue all birth control pills and hormone therapy 2 weeks prior to surgery.
- Patients must be off Accutane 6 months before surgery.
After Your Surgical Procedure
- Elevate your head on your bed 30° to decrease swelling.
- Apply ice compresses gently as directed to minimize bruising.
- Keep your incisions and any dressings dry.
- Clean the incisions gently with a Q-tip and prescribed solutions.
- Apply healing ointment with a Q-tip precisely as directed.
- Restrict strenuous activity and bending for at least 2 weeks.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat as much as possible.
- Do not drive while taking pain medication or sedatives.
- No facials or massages for 6 months after surgery.
- No sexual activities for 3 weeks after surgery.
What to Expect After Your Surgery
- Some swelling and bruising is normal, excellent facelift preparation and icing help minimize this.
- A low-grade fever (up to 101.5) is normal for the first 2 days.
- If your lips feel dry, you may use Vaseline or chapstick to lubricate them.
- Nausea or vomiting can occasionally occur in the first 24 hours.
- You will receive a phone call from our office after your surgery to check on you. (212-452-3362)
- Healing requires patience, trust in Dr. Rizk’s artistic precision and let your body rest.
Diet
- Begin with bland foods (clear liquids, broths, etc.).
- Advance to soft foods as tolerated to avoid straining facial muscles.
- Avoid alcohol for 3 weeks after surgery.
- Maintain a low salt diet to help minimize facial swelling.
- Drink plenty of water to aid your facelift preparation and recovery process.
Medications
- Take all medications exactly as directed on your prescription bottle.
- If pain is mild, you may take extra-strength Tylenol according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Never take aspirin or ibuprofen products for pain relief.
- Use Arnica pills as directed if provided in your facelift preparation kit.
- If you encounter a sore throat from anesthesia, use lozenges like Cepacol for temporary relief.
Ready to take the next step in your facial rejuvenation journey? Proper facelift preparation begins with a personalized consultation. Contact Dr. Rizk’s office today to schedule your appointment and discover how his artistic precision and patient-centered care can help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
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Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine's 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
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By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and is a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.
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Consultations are by appointment. Call the practice and the team will talk you through the options and what to expect.
1040 Park Avenue at 86th Street, New York, NY 10028 · Hours are not published on the practice's website — please call.