During your consultation, your surgeon will instruct you on what medications to avoid prior to your surgery. Certain medications and vitamins thin your blood and can cause increased bleeding. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after. You cannot just plan to cut down. You must not smoke for this time period to ensure proper healing. Also, this is no time for a diet: make sure that you eat properly because this will help your body heal. Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery. You should especially plan to wear a button-down blouse or shirt that does not have to be pulled over your neck or head. You should plan to take at least one week off from work to recover. However, your doctor can determine this based on your personal situation. If you are having platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty, or a combination of any of the procedures we've discussed here, you should plan on having a home recovery area set up before you undergo surgery. Your Home Recovery Area Should Include:
Ice packs
Gauze and towels
Thermometer
Supply of comfortable, loose clothing (preferably button down shirts or blouses that do not have to be pulled over your neck and head)
Petroleum jelly and antibacterial ointment for incision sites
Telephone within reaching distance of where you'll be lying or sitting most of the time
Supply of pillows which will allow you to keep your head in a comfortable position
Someone who can stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery