Preparing for Your Procedure
Your upcoming facial rejuvenation procedure is an exciting step toward looking and feeling your best, and we are honored to be part of that journey with you. Preparing for surgery is a collaborative process between you and our team, and this guide is designed to help you feel confident, informed, and ready every step of the way. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare safely and comfortably—from medical instructions and home setup tips to emotional readiness and recovery expectations. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, knowledgeable, and empowered as you move toward a smooth, successful procedure and a beautiful, natural result.
PacifiCoast Ambulatory Surgicenter - Our Surgical Facility
At P.C.A.S., your safety and comfort are our highest priorities. Our surgery center is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care A.A.A.H.C., reflecting the exceptional standards we uphold for patient safety, quality of care, and surgical excellence. Because our facility is owned and operated by the FAC physicians, we are able to provide a seamless, highly personalized experience—one designed with your needs, comfort, and peace of mind at the forefront.
Our board-certified surgeons and experienced nursing team are committed to creating a caring and supportive environment from your first visit through recovery.
Your surgical journey begins with preparation. We’ll walk you through every detail—from your pre-op visit to recovery—so you feel confident, supported, and ready.
Throughout your journey we will help guide you through each step providing relevant information along the way. We use both email and text messaging to ensure you have the information you need when you need it.
Before Your Surgery
|Pre-Operative Appointments
We will schedule you two pre-op appointments. One virtual appointment with your surgical coordinator and one with your surgeon. Your pre-op visits are scheduled 2-4 weeks prior to your surgical date. These appointments are designed to give you everything you need to feel fully prepared and at ease.
Please allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the visit with your surgeon, and don’t forget to bring a list of any questions you’d like to cover.
Refining Your Surgical Plan: Your surgeon will review your goals with you in detail, discuss the techniques he’ll use, and refine your surgical plan to ensure it’s perfectly tailored to your needs.
Questions & Answers: Your pre-op visits are your time to ask any and all questions—big or small—so you go into surgery feeling informed and confident.
Testing & Clearances: If your bloodwork and EKG are done with us, we’ll complete them during this appointment and provide you with lab orders if needed. If testing is done with your primary care physician, please bring results or have them faxed to (949) 496-2705.
Medications & Products: We’ll review any prescriptions, supplements, and skincare products you’ll need before and after surgery, making sure you’re set up for a smooth recovery.
What to Expect:
- Your Virtual Pre-Op with your Clinical Coordinator to review:
- Health history and medications
- Pre- and post-operative instructions
- Required testing (bloodwork, EKG, clearances)
- Recovery timeline and expectations
- Your Pre-Op with your Surgeon to:
- Refine your surgical plan and aesthetic goals
- Review surgical techniques and expected outcome
- Perform EKG in office if needed
- Answer any questions
Financial Preparation
Once your deposit is received, the remaining balance is due at your pre-op appointment or at least two weeks before surgery.
Payments may be made by cashier’s check, personal check, or credit/debit card. If you choose check or cash, you’ll receive a special gift card on your surgery day to use toward future services or products at our office.
Planning & Organization
- Confirm your surgery date, time, and check-in location
- Arrange transportation and 24-hour care
- Begin preparing your recovery space at home (comfort station at home Link)
Two to Four Weeks Before
- Attend pre-op appointments
- Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, supplements*
- Arrange household help, childcare, pet care
- Reduce sodium; increase hydration
- Prepare your Comfort Station (link to comfort station outline)
* Unless directed otherwise by your surgeon
The Week of Surgery
- Eat nutritious meals
- Stay hydrated
- Notify the office if you become ill
The Night Before Surgery
- Wash face and hair; avoid applying all products afterward
- Light dinner, no food or drink after midnight
- Take prescribed medications if instructed
The Morning of Surgery
- Shower; no makeup, lotions, deodorant
- Wear loose clothing that doesn't go over the head (button-up shirt, jacket with zipper)
- Bring medication list, glasses, prescriptions
- Arrive with your support person
First 48 Hours After Surgery
- Rest with head elevated
- Soft, low-sodium foods
- Avoid bending, lifting, straining
Days 3-14 After Surgery
- Swelling and bruising gradually improve
- Resume light activity when off pain medication
Week 3-6 After Surgery
- Gradually return to full activity
- Begin long-term skincare
| A comfortable, calm home environment supports healing
Before Your Surgery
| A comfortable, calm home environment supports healing
- Arrange a recovery area with:
- Extra pillows to keep your head elevated
- Neck travel pillow or rolled towels (use behind neck for facial surgery). If using travel pillow, position with the open end up so it looks like a 'U' do not place around the neck.
- Soft, easy-to-remove clothing that doesn't go over your head
- Bedside clock
- Phone and phone charger
- Night light
- Kleenex
- Low-sodium comfort foods and snacks
- Small trash can with trash bags (at bedside)
- Baby wipes (for quick clean ups)
- Pen and paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Bendable straw
- Blood pressure cuff or machine
- Cold compresses (if recommended)
- Prescribed medications and aftercare products
- Gentle facial cleanser, gauze, and ointment (as instructed)
- Setting up your room:
- Remove anything you may trip over (including pets).
- Keep your phone near your bed. Keep important numbers handy (surgeon, pharmacy, etc.).
- Install nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom for your safety.
- Have a robe and pair of slippers nearby.
- Have a chair near your bed or bathroom so you can sit and rest when necessary.
- Place frequently used items (phone, water, snacks, TV remote, book) within reach.
- Prepare easy-to-digest meals and plenty of fluids
- Food and drink supplies:
- Plenty of water and juices
- Low-sodium soups
- Soft foods (mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc), for the first 24-48 hours.
- Fresh vegetables pre-cut with a healthy dip.
- Fresh fruit with yogurt, cottage cheese with fruit or soybeans.
- Steamed or baked fish or chicken.
- Protein drinks and smoothies.
- From your local drugstore:
- Lip balm (dry lips)
- Listerine
- Tylenol
- Miralax (constipation relief)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Q-tips
- Polysporin antibiotic ointment
- Ophthalmic ointment (System PM, GenTeal Tears PM, etc.)
- Lubricating eye drops
- Eye stream or eye wash saline
- Facial or baby washcloths
- Bendable straws
- When you go venture outside:
- Hat or scarf
- Sunglasses
- Cover-up or make-up
- Sunscreen
Arrival Details
- Your surgical location and check-in time will be confirmed prior to surgery.
- Please arrive on time and bring:
- Remove all jewelry, contact lenses, and piercings.
- Do not wear makeup, lotions, perfume, or nail polish.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing - preferably a button-up or zip-up top.
Transportation
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the surgery center.
- You CANNOT drive or take a rideshare alone after anesthesia
Depending on your procedure recovery needs:
- Some patients may be asked to stay overnight for observation and comfort.
- A nurse will monitor your recovery, manage pain, and assist with early aftercare.
- Family or caregivers may receive updates as appropriate.
- Your discharge instructions will be reviewed thoroughly before going home.
| FAC provides ongoing, attentive care after your procedure:
- What to Expect:
- Nurse Visits: Every other day following surgery for wound checks, comfort care, and suture removal.
- Follow-Up Appointments: With your doctor to assess healing and results.
- Post-Operative Facial: A complimentary treatment at least 4 weeks after your surgery to enhance recovery and skin health.
- 24/7 Contact: Patients receive a dedicated number for post-surgery questions or concerns.
- At-Home Care:
- Follow medication and skincare routines as instructed.
- Avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor.
- Sleep with your head elevated for 1-2 weeks.
- Protect your skin from sun exposure and avoid saunas.
| Proper care reduces risk of infection and promotes healthy healing:
Key Principles:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or incisions.
- Keep incisions clean and dry unless otherwise directed.
- Use only the topical ointments or products provided by the office.
- Do NOT apply makeup, creams, or other products near incisions until cleared by your nurse or surgeon.
- Avoid pets or environments with high dust or bacteria exposure during the early healing phase.
- Report signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge, fever) immediately.
Emotional Preparation:
- Before Surgery:
- Understand that temporary swelling, bruising, and tightness are part of healing.
- Set realistic expectations for recovery- results improve gradually.
- Take time off to rest and avoid major events for several weeks post-surgery.
- After Surgery:
- Emotions may fluctuate- this is completely normal.
- Surround yourself with supportive people.
- Remember: Healing takes time, and each day brings you closer to your beautiful, refreshed results.
- The FAC team is always here to answer questions and provide reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When can I drive?
-
This varies per procedure, but generally when you are not taking pain medication and can see clearly it is ok to drive.
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When can I go back to work?
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Some people return to work as early as 10-15 days after surgery, depending upon your ocupation and the procedure(s) performed.
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When can I wear makeup?
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7-10 days after a fractional CO2 or TCA peel
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7 days after eyelid procedures
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10+ days after a facelift - only after all incisions are healed
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When should I start wearing sunscreen?
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Right after your procedure - avoid open incisions
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*3-5 days after a fractional CO2
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How long to I have to sleep on my back?
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Sleep on your back with at least 2 pillows elevating your head until all sutures are removed; typically 5-10 days.
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What food can I eat after surgery?
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Maintain a soft, bland, low sodium diet during the healing process. Sodium may lead to increased swelling.
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When can I color my hair?
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One week before surgery, or at least one month after surgery.
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When can I start using blow dryers or styling irons?
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2-3 weeks after surgery on a cool setting
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What kind of shampoo can I use after surgery?
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Clarifying shampoo before surgery
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Regular shampoo after surgery
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How long will bruising last?
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This will vary for each patient and can be impacted by the activities performed after surgery.
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How long will swelling last?
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This will vary for each patient. Most patients see an increase in swelling 2-3 days after surgery. Swelling can last a few days up to a few months
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How long will I experience numbness?
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This will vary for each patient. It may last a few days up to one year.
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When can I wear contact lenses?
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Soft contacts: 10-12 days after surgery
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Hard contacts: at least 14 days after surgery
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Right away for patients that did not undergo eye procedure(s)
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When can I travel and be on a plane?
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You will have post operative appointments which include suture removals for about 10 days after surgery. Travel may resume after all sutures have been removed.
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When can I shave (male patients)?
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After fractional CO2 or chemical peel only after peeling is complete; 5-7 days.
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For other procedures only after all sutures have been removed.
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When is the surgical drain removed?
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Generally the drains are removed 1-5 days after facial surgery and 7-10 days for body procedures.
Richard Gangnes M.D., F.A.C.S.
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Gangnes specializes exclusively in facial cosmetic surgery and has over 30 years of experience in this dynamic, evolving area of medical art and science.
His passion for facial cosmetic surgery began with his graduation from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, ranked in the top 3 in the nation the last 5 years by U.S. News.
He completed his surgical residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with a special emphasis and interest in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Irvine where he is currently a clinical professor actively involved in teaching residents and fellows the art and science of facial plastic surgery.
Bryan Brandon M.D.
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Brandon’s passion for helping patients look and feel their best is what initially drove him to the field of Facial Plastic Surgery. His artistic eye provides his patients a natural and refreshed appearance. Dr. Brandon always strives to provide a comfortable and collaborative experience for every individual patient, combining personal attentive care with flawless results. His meticulous approach to plastic surgery delivers his patients a natural and balanced result, while achieving each individual’s unique aesthetic goals.
Dr. Brandon continues to be actively involved in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery research, co-authoring several journal publications, book chapters, and is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is double board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
We’re Here to Support You
Our team is dedicated to making sure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. If you have any questions before your consultation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Email:
info@newbeauty.md
Website:
Enjoy Interest-Free Financing for Your Procedure
Embark on your surgical journey without financial stress. Take advantage of our special offer: 12 months interest-free financing for your surgical procedure. Achieve the body you desire with flexible payment options and the expertise of our skilled surgical team. Don't let finances hold you back—reclaim your confidence today!
