Good facelift preparation includes knowing what to avoid. The aim is not to follow a generic list, but to reduce preventable risks and give the surgical team an accurate picture of your anatomy, health and previous procedures.
Do not hide previous facial treatments
Report fillers, biostimulators, threads, permanent materials such as PMMA or liquid silicone, fat grafting and energy-based treatments. Bring product names, dates and treated areas when available. Previous procedures can affect swelling, tissue planes and surgical planning. Dermatologic ultrasound may be recommended when examination alone cannot clarify what is present.
Do not change medication without medical instructions
Prescription medicines, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, herbal products and GLP-1 medicines all require individualized review. Do not stop or continue them based on an online checklist. The surgeon and anesthesia team should provide written instructions based on your health and procedure.
| Avoid | Safer approach |
|---|---|
| Smoking, vaping or nicotine exposure | Follow the required nicotine-free interval before and after surgery. |
| New injectables or aggressive skin procedures close to surgery | Discuss timing before booking any facial treatment. |
| Rapid weight loss or crash dieting | Aim for stable weight and adequate protein and micronutrients. |
| Alcohol excess and poor sleep | Prioritize hydration, sleep and the preoperative instructions. |
| A rushed flight itinerary | Allow time for the final assessment and postoperative monitoring. |
Do not choose a technique before the diagnosis
Deep Plane, SMAS and video-assisted approaches are tools, not guarantees. The appropriate scope depends on the regions involved, skin quality, ligament support, volume, bone structure, neck anatomy and prior treatments. A smaller operation is not automatically easier, and a deeper operation is not automatically better.
Do not ignore doubts or unrealistic expectations
Surgery can improve age-related changes but cannot stop aging, create perfect symmetry or guarantee a specific photograph-based result. Postpone the procedure if you do not understand the plan, risks, scars, recovery or alternatives. Active infection or a significant change in health must also be reported promptly.
Plan enough recovery time in Brazil
International patients should not schedule surgery and an early long-haul flight back-to-back. Belvivere generally plans at least 15 days in Brazil after major facial surgery, subject to individual recovery and medical clearance. Care is coordinated through the hospital team, while the concierge service supports practical arrangements in Criciúma.
For a broader comparison of approaches, see facelift techniques matched to anatomy. Your personal written instructions always take priority over general information.
