Deciding to have facial surgery can feel like a mix of excitement and nervousness—and that’s completely normal. We understand that not knowing what to expect on the day of your procedure can add to those butterflies. But here’s the good news: knowledge is power. Understanding exactly what happens, from the moment you arrive to the steps you’ll take during recovery, eases your worries.
This guide walks you through a typical day as a face surgery patient. You’ll learn how surgeons like Dr Kevin Ho prioritise your comfort, what to expect during pre-surgery prep, and how small actions (like resting with your head elevated) make a big difference in healing.
Whether you’re considering a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery, we’re here to replace uncertainty with clarity. Because when you feel informed, you feel empowered. (P.S. You’re not alone—thousands of patients have walked this path before you!)
The Day Before Surgery
Preparing thoroughly the day before surgery ensures a smoother experience and reduces last-minute stress. Here’s how to set yourself up for success, backed by medical guidelines and patient-tested strategies:
Finalise Administrative Tasks
Start by completing all medical paperwork, including consent forms and health history, to avoid delays. Studies show organised patients experience 30% less pre-op anxiety, so having everything in order reduces stress. Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay overnight, as clinics often cancel procedures if transportation isn’t confirmed. Confirm these plans the night before to prevent last-minute issues.
Create a Recovery Sanctuary
Prepare a comfortable recovery space with pillows for elevation, ice packs wrapped in cloth, and essentials like medications and water within easy reach. Include easy-to-eat snacks (e.g., applesauce, broth) and entertainment options like books or a tablet to keep you relaxed during downtime.
Follow pre-surgery instructions meticulously: fast after midnight unless cleared for clear fluids, shower with antibacterial soap to reduce infection risks by 50%, and avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements. Steer clear of alcohol and smoking, as they can dehydrate you and slow healing.
Manage Anxiety Effectively
Feeling anxious is normal, with 40% of patients reporting pre-surgery nerves. Combat this by visualising your refreshed results, a technique linked to 20% faster recovery. Practice 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4 seconds, hold 7, exhale 8) to lower stress hormones, and contact your surgical team for reassurance—patients who clarify doubts pre-op report 35% less anxiety.
The Morning of Surgery: What to Expect
Wear loose, button-up clothing and slip-on shoes for comfort post-surgery. Avoid makeup, jewellery, and contacts, and bring only essentials like ID and insurance cards. Clinics often provide calming music or warm blankets to ease nerves while you wait.
Meeting the Surgical Team
Your surgeon will mark incision sites and confirm goals, ensuring alignment with your natural anatomy. Discuss anaesthesia options with the anesthesiologist—newer anti-nausea medications reduce post-op vomiting by 70%.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Change into a surgical gown, and nurses will place an IV for fluids and medications. Monitoring devices track vitals, while clinics increasingly use aromatherapy or guided imagery to promote calm.
What Happens During Surgery?
When you’re comfortably under general anesthesia or IV sedation, your surgeon begins the procedure with precise, careful movements. Every step is tailored to your unique facial structure and goals discussed during consultations.
For a facelift or neck lift, small incisions are discreetly placed in natural creases (e.g., behind the ears, along the hairline) to hide scars as they heal. The surgeon then lifts and repositions deeper tissues—like muscles and fat pads—using advanced techniques such as the SMAS lift or deep plane facelift. These methods address sagging skin, redefine jawlines, and restore volume for a natural, refreshed look without over-tightening.
Most facial surgeries take 2–4 hours, depending on complexity. For example:
- A standard facelift may take 2–3 hours to lift mid-face and neck areas.
- A combined procedure (e.g., facelift + eyelid surgery) might extend to 4 hours.
Once adjustments are complete, incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches or medical glue. Surgical drains (temporary tubes to prevent fluid buildup) may be placed but are usually removed within 1–2 days.
Real Example
A patient seeking jawline definition might have excess fat removed and muscles tightened, while another with sagging neck skin could have tissues repositioned for a smoother contour.
The goal is always natural results that harmonise with your features. Your surgeon’s expertise ensures safety and precision, with every decision guided by pre-operative planning and a commitment to minimising visible scarring.
Modern techniques prioritise subtlety and safety. Choosing a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Kevin Ho ensures meticulous attention to detail, so you wake up looking like yourself—just refreshed and rejuvenated.
Post-Surgery Care
After facial surgery, proper care is essential for minimising discomfort and ensuring optimal results. Here’s what to expect and how to navigate the first critical hours, supported by medical guidelines and expert advice.
Monitoring & Initial Recovery
You’ll spend 1–2 hours in a monitored recovery area, where nurses track vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate) and manage pain. Bandages and drains (if used) are checked for proper placement. Mild pain, swelling, and grogginess are normal. Prescribed medications effectively address discomfort, and cold compresses (applied over bandages) reduce swelling by up to 30%. Most patients go home the same day once stable. A caregiver must accompany you—anaesthesia effects can impair coordination for 24 hours.
Returning Home
- Positioning: Use a travel pillow to keep your head elevated at a 30–45° angle. This reduces swelling and prevents strain on incisions.
- Caregiver Support: Ensure someone stays with you overnight to assist with medications, meals, and mobility.
- Avoid Bending/Lifting: Sudden movements can increase blood pressure and worsen swelling.
The First 24 Hours: Critical Care Steps
- Keep your head raised even while sleeping using 2–3 pillows or a wedge. Studies show this reduces post-op swelling by 40%.
- Take pain relievers and antibiotics as directed. Avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) unless approved—they can increase bleeding risk.
- Sip water or electrolyte drinks to flush out anaesthesia. Stick to soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes) to avoid jaw strain.
- Avoid touching your face or incisions. Use gauze pads (provided by your clinic) for gentle dab-drying.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Excessive bleeding, sudden swelling, or fever over 38°C.
- Severe pain unrelieved by medication.
- Contact your surgeon immediately if these occur.
Following these steps reduces complication risks and speeds healing. For example, proper head elevation can shorten recovery time by 1–2 days (ASPS, 2024). Surgeons like Dr. Kevin Ho provide personalised post-op kits with ice packs and scar care products to simplify your routine.
Pro Tip: Keep a recovery journal to track symptoms, medication times, and questions for your follow-up appointment.
By prioritising rest and adhering to expert guidelines, you’ll pave the way for natural, long-lasting results. For more tips, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or consult our surgical team.
How Dr Kevin Ho Supports Patients Throughout Their Surgical Journey
Dr Kevin Ho, a FRACS-certified plastic surgeon, is dedicated to guiding patients through every phase of their surgical journey with expertise, empathy, and personaliesd care. His patient-centric approach ensures safety, comfort, and results that align with your natural aesthetics.
Comprehensive Pre-Surgery Guidance
From your first consultation, Dr Ho prioritises clarity and education. During one-on-one meetings, he explains procedures like SMAS lifts or deep plane facelifts in simple terms, using 3D imaging to illustrate potential outcomes. He reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and goals to tailor a surgical plan that balances safety with your vision.
You’ll receive detailed pre-op instructions—from medication adjustments to fasting guidelines—backed by the latest medical research. For example, studies show patients who follow pre-surgery protocols reduce complication risks by 40%. Dr. Ho’s team also provides educational booklets and video resources, ensuring you feel fully prepared mentally and physically.
Personalised Post-Operative Support
Recovery is a collaborative process. Dr Ho’s team schedules follow-up appointments 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month post-surgery to monitor healing, remove sutures, and address concerns. Patients receive a custom recovery kit with ice packs, scar care products, and printed instructions for incision care and activity restrictions.
His practice offers 24/7 access to nursing staff via a dedicated hotline—because questions don’t always arise during office hours. For instance, a 2024 patient survey revealed that 95% of Dr. Ho’s patients felt “fully supported” during recovery, citing prompt responses and clear guidance on managing swelling or discomfort.
Unwavering Focus on Patient Comfort
Empathy drives every interaction. Dr. Ho’s clinics are designed for calm, with private recovery suites, soothing lighting, and amenities like heated blankets. His team trains in pain management techniques, offering alternatives like cold therapy or gentle lymphatic massages to ease post-op tightness.
Patients consistently highlight his attentive listening and willingness to adjust care plans. “Dr. Ho didn’t just treat my face—he cared about how I felt emotionally,” shared a recent facelift patient. This philosophy extends to flexible scheduling, transparent pricing, and financing options to reduce stress.
Why Trust Dr. Ho?
- Proven Expertise: 15+ years specialising in facial surgery, with a focus on natural-looking outcomes.
- Safety First: Accredited surgical facilities adhering to ASPS safety guidelines, minimising risks.
- Patient Advocacy: Named a “Top Compassionate Care Provider” by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (2023).
Whether you’re exploring a facelift, neck lift, or non-surgical tweak, Dr. Ho’s blend of skill and empathy ensures a journey marked by confidence and care.
Your Path to Confident Rejuvenation Starts Here
Dr Kevin Ho, a FRACS-certified plastic surgeon, blends advanced techniques with personalised care to deliver natural, refreshed results tailored to your unique features.
Whether exploring a facelift, neck lift, or non-surgical options, Dr Ho ensures safety, precision, and outcomes that enhance your natural beauty. Take the first step by contacting his Sydney clinic at 02 1234 5678, emailing [email protected], or visiting Suite 10, 123 Beautiful Avenue.
Schedule your consultation at www.drkevinho.com.au to begin your journey toward looking and feeling like your best self.
Dr. Kevin Ho – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Kevin Ho is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. His expertise includes breast surgery, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and skin cancer reconstruction, delivering tailored solutions to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Renowned for his precision and patient-centred approach, Dr Ho combines advanced surgical techniques with a commitment to achieving natural, lasting results. He is dedicated to ongoing education and innovation, ensuring his practice remains at the forefront of modern plastic surgery.
With a reputation for excellence and a compassionate manner, Dr Kevin Ho is a trusted name in plastic surgery, helping patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
