What to Avoid Before Your Procedure
Discontinue Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements
Certain medications and supplements can increase your risk of bruising or bleeding because they interfere with blood clot formation. If you use any of these medications and supplements, you may be asked to stop temporarily so your procedure can be carried out safely. Common examples include ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E and some herbal remedies. Make sure to consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication.
Stop Smoking
Smoking impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications during and after a procedure. If you smoke, you must stop at least two weeks before your procedure. The longer you stop smoking, the better.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Avoid alcohol in the week leading up to your procedure, and reduce caffeine intake for at least two days before. Both substances can affect hydration and may interfere with your body’s ability to heal.
Minimise UV Exposure
Avoid direct sun and tanning beds for at least two weeks. When you’re outdoors, use protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat or neck gaiter and seek shade. We may need to delay your procedure if your skin is sunburnt or irritated.
Reschedule Cosmetic Treatments
If you’re planning any other cosmetic treatments in your neck area—such as skin needling, chemical peels or ultrasound—space them well apart from your MyEllevate procedure. Scheduling treatments too close together can increase the risk of irritation or unexpected interactions between techniques. It can also make it harder to assess the outcomes of each treatment individually.
Getting Logistically Ready
Plan for Downtime
Even though MyEllevate is less invasive than neck lift surgery, your body still needs time to recover. Most people take at least a couple of days off work or social commitments. If your job is physically demanding, you may want to give yourself a wider buffer.
Fill Prescriptions in Advance
If you’re prescribed any medications (such as antibiotics or pain relief), pick them up ahead of time. It’s best to have everything ready and waiting at home so you can go straight into rest mode after the procedure.
Prepare Recovery Supplies
You may be advised to use certain items to help with wound healing or post-procedure comfort, such as ointments, ice packs or a neck pillow to keep your head stable and elevated while resting. You don’t need to turn your home into a medical suite, but a few simple preparations go a long way.
Stock Your Kitchen
Recovery after MyEllevate is typically more comfortable than recovery after neck lift surgery, but it’s not a bad idea to have soft, easy-to-eat meals on hand. Think soups, smoothies, yoghurt, oatmeal and other foods that don’t require a lot of chewing or wide jaw movement.
Arrange a Lift Home (If Needed)
The MyEllevate procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which means you’ll be able to drive yourself home. If you prefer to have it done under twilight sedation, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up and ideally stay with you until the sedation wears off.
Final Preparations: the Day Before and Morning Of
Fast (If Using Twilight Sedation)
If your MyEllevate procedure is being done with twilight sedation, you’ll need to fast beforehand. That means no food or drink, including water, for eight hours before your procedure.
Take a Shower
You won’t be able to shower for about 24 hours post-procedure, so the day before or the morning of is the time to enjoy a nice, thorough wash. Plus, a fresh, clean face and neck helps reduce the risk of infection.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
On the day of your procedure, wear something soft, loose-fitting and easy to take off—ideally a button-up or zip-up top that doesn’t need to be pulled over your head. Leave your jewellery and accessories at home, especially around the face and neck.
Arrive With Clean Skin
Please arrive with a freshly washed face and neck. Apply no makeup, sunscreen, moisturiser or serums. We know it might feel odd to skip your usual routine, but clean, product-free skin helps create the best possible environment for your procedure.
Interested in MyEllevate? Your Next Step Is a Consultation
Whether you’re ready to book your MyEllevate procedure or just beginning to explore your options, a consultation is the best place to start. This initial in-person meeting is how your surgeon determines if you are a candidate for MyEllevate, and you determine if the surgeon is the right provider for you.
During your consultation, we will:
- Examine your anatomy and skin quality
- Determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for MyEllevate
- Discuss any other options that might be worth considering
- Walk you through what the procedure involves
- Outline your expected preparation steps and recovery timeline
- Give you the space to ask about anything that’s on your mind—without pressure
At Asian Plastic Surgery, we do our best to make the consultation process simple and educational. We believe that the more you know about your procedure, the more empowered you are to make the right decisions about your body and your health.
Request More Information About MyEllevate Today
Dr Ellis Choy and the Asian Plastic Surgery team are committed to ensuring you feel informed and cared for at every stage of your experience with us. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please enquire here or call our Sydney clinic on (02) 8962 9388.
