An Effective Facial Plastic Surgery Pre-Op Checklist
Planning before facial plastic surgery can make surgery day and early recovery feel calmer and less stressful. When you are preparing for facial plastic surgery in Austin, a simple pre-op checklist helps you stay organized and ask clear questions.
Before you choose procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty, your surgeon will review your health history and talk through your goals. This checklist is a general guide; your own instructions should always come from your surgeon based on your needs and the details of your surgery.
1. Clarify the Results You Want
Before your consultation, decide what you hope to change and what you want to preserve. Clear goals make it easier for your surgeon to explain options and recommend whether a particular facial plastic surgery plan matches your priorities and timeline.
You might jot down:
What “natural” results look like to you
One or two features you most want to improve
One or two changes you want to avoid
Dates for photos, travel, or events
2. Share a Complete Health Picture
Your care team can plan most safely when they have a full view of your health. Even details that feel minor can matter for anesthesia, bruising, or healing after surgery.
Be ready to talk about:
Current medications, vitamins, and supplements
Allergies and any past reactions to anesthesia or medications
Prior surgeries, scars, or healing issues
Smoking or vaping habits and alcohol use
3. Confirm Your Medication and Illness Plan
Do not guess about what to stop or when. Ask for a written plan that explains which medications or supplements to avoid before surgery and which are safe to use afterward. Mayo Clinic notes that some common pain relievers may be restricted because they can increase bleeding risk. Good questions to ask include:
Which medications or supplements should I pause, and when?
What can I use for pain or headaches before surgery?
What should I do if I develop a fever, cough, or cold sores?
4. Make a Realistic Plan for Smoking and Vaping
If you smoke or vape, tell your surgeon early. The World Health Organization has highlighted that smoking raises the risk of post-surgical complications, including delayed wound healing and breathing problems after anesthesia. If quitting feels challenging, ask about support instead of trying to stop on your own. Even a short period of stopping before surgery may help lower the risk and support better recovery.
5. Set Up a Comfortable Recovery Space at Home
A little preparation at home can make the first few days after facial plastic surgery easier. The goal is to reduce errands and decisions when you may feel tired or swollen.
Consider setting aside:
Extra pillows to keep your head comfortably elevated
Easy snacks, water, and any surgeon-approved supplies
Button-up or zip-front tops so nothing goes over your face
A phone charger near a quiet, comfortable rest spot
6. Arrange Support, Follow-Ups, and Next Steps
Plan for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours, or longer if your surgeon recommends it. If you expect to use prescription pain medication, confirm who will drive you to early follow-up visits.
If you would like a deeper look at what happens before surgery, you can read more about what to expect from a facial plastic surgery consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
