Most people spend a lot of time researching FaceTite surgery and very little time thinking about preparation. That is understandable. The procedure itself is exciting. But what you do in the days and weeks before your appointment has a direct impact on how your treatment goes and how well you heal afterward.
This guide covers exactly what to do, what to stop, and what to arrange before your FaceTite Miami appointment so you walk in ready.
Start With a Thorough Consultation
Before any preparation begins, you need a proper consultation with an experienced FaceTite provider. This is not a formality. It is where your treatment plan is built.
At John Martin MD in Coral Gables, the consultation covers your facial anatomy, skin quality, and specific goals. Your surgeon assesses whether FaceTite surgery is the right approach for you or whether a combination of treatments would produce better results. You also discuss the areas being treated, what kind of anesthesia suits you, and what your recovery will look like.
Come to your consultation with honest information. Bring a full list of medications, supplements, and any past procedures. Disclose any medical conditions, including thyroid issues, bleeding disorders, or skin conditions affecting the face. The more your surgeon knows going in, the better they can plan your treatment.
Medications and Supplements to Stop Before FaceTite Surgery
This is the most important preparation step and one many patients underestimate. Blood-thinning medications and supplements increase bruising and bleeding during FaceTite surgery, and some can interfere with healing.
Your surgeon will give you a specific list at your consultation, but the most commonly advised items to stop include:
- Aspirin and ibuprofen (NSAIDs), typically stopped two weeks before the procedure.
- Fish oil and Vitamin E supplements, which thin the blood, should be paused for at least two weeks.
- Herbal supplements, including garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, and St John’s Wort.
- Alcohol should be avoided for at least 72 hours before your appointment.
Do not stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your prescribing doctor first. Bring your full medication list to your consultation and let your surgeon guide you on what to pause and for how long.
Stop Smoking and Nicotine Before Your Appointment
If you smoke or use any nicotine product, including vapes or patches, you need to stop well before your FaceTite Miami procedure. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to healing tissue. This slows recovery, increases the risk of complications, and can affect how well your results develop.
Most surgeons ask patients to stop using nicotine products for at least two to four weeks before treatment. The longer you stop before your procedure, the better your healing response will be. If you are struggling to stop, discuss this honestly with your surgeon during your consultation.
Sun, Tanning, and Skincare Preparation
Miami’s sun is one of the best things about living here. Before FaceTite surgery, it is also one of the things you need to manage carefully. Sun-damaged or recently tanned skin is more reactive to treatment and heals less predictably.
Avoid sun tanning, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for at least two weeks before your procedure. If you are spending time outdoors, use SPF 30 or higher daily on your face and neck. This keeps your skin in the best possible condition for treatment.
Skincare Products to Pause Before FaceTite
Certain topical products can make facial skin more sensitive or reactive. Your surgeon will advise based on your specific skincare routine, but commonly recommended pauses include:
- Retinoids and tretinoin, usually paused one week before the procedure.
- Exfoliating acids such as AHAs and BHAs.
- Any new skincare products that your skin has not adjusted to.
Arrive at your appointment with a clean face and no makeup, moisturizer, or skincare products. Your treatment area needs to be clean and free of any residue.
What to Arrange Before Your FaceTite Appointment
FaceTite surgery is performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation. You will not be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to collect you and, if possible, stay with you for the first evening.
John Martin, MD, recommends planning your recovery time in advance. Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days, but you will feel more comfortable if you have a few practical things in place before your appointment:
- A compression garment will be provided after treatment and needs to be worn consistently for the first several days.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first two to three nights to reduce swelling.
- Stock easy-to-prepare soft foods, as keeping chewing minimal in the first 48 hours helps with comfort.
- Fill any prescriptions provided ahead of your procedure so they are ready when you get home.
- Clear your social schedule for the first week to give yourself time to heal without pressure.
The Day Before and Morning of the Surgery
Keep things straightforward the day before. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a light, healthy meal, and avoid alcohol. If you are male, shave cleanly the evening before your procedure as instructed.
On the morning of your appointment, have a light breakfast or lunch unless your surgeon has instructed you to fast. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head. Leave jewellery at home. Arrive with clean skin and no makeup.
If you take any medications your surgeon has approved for the morning of the procedure, take them as advised and bring all medication information with you.
Why Good Preparation Leads to Better Results
FaceTite surgery at a practice like John Martin MD is a precise, technique-driven procedure. The surgeon’s skill matters enormously. But so does the condition of your skin, your blood chemistry, and how well your body is positioned to heal.
Patients who prepare carefully tend to experience less bruising, less swelling, and a smoother recovery. They also tend to be less anxious on the day, because they know what to expect. For more information on the full range of facial treatments available, read John Martin, MD’s facial procedures. If you are ready to book a consultation for FaceTite Miami, call the practice directly at (305) 444-5950.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I stop taking blood thinners before FaceTite surgery?
Most surgeons recommend stopping blood-thinning medications and supplements at least two weeks before FaceTite surgery. This includes over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as common supplements such as fish oil, Vitamin E, garlic, and ginkgo. Stopping these reduces bruising and bleeding during the procedure and supports cleaner healing afterward.
Do not stop any prescription medication without first speaking to your prescribing doctor. Bring your full medication list to your FaceTite Miami consultation and let your surgeon confirm exactly what to pause and for how long based on your specific health profile.
Can I eat and drink normally before my FaceTite appointment in Miami?
In most cases, yes. FaceTite surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation rather than general anesthesia, so a full pre-surgery fast is not usually required. Your surgeon will confirm this at your consultation based on your specific anesthesia plan.
As a general guideline, eat a light meal before your appointment, avoid alcohol for at least 72 hours beforehand, and arrive well-hydrated. If your surgeon has prescribed any medications for the morning of the procedure, take them as directed with a small amount of water. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your John Martin MD team, as individual preparation requirements can vary.
How long before FaceTite in Miami should I stop using retinol or skincare acids?
Most surgeons recommend pausing retinoids, tretinoin, and exfoliating acids such as AHAs and BHAs for around one week before your FaceTite procedure. These products increase skin cell turnover and can make facial skin more reactive or sensitive, which is not ideal on treatment day. If you use prescription-strength retinoids, discuss the pause timeline with your surgeon at your consultation as stronger formulations may need to be stopped earlier. On the day of your FaceTite Miami appointment, arrive with completely clean skin and no skincare products, moisturisers, or makeup applied to the face or neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I stop taking blood thinners before FaceTite surgery?
Most surgeons recommend stopping blood-thinning medications and supplements at least two weeks before FaceTite surgery, including aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E, garlic, and ginkgo. Never stop a prescription medication without first speaking to your prescribing doctor — bring your full medication list to your FaceTite Miami consultation so your surgeon can confirm what to pause and for how long.
Can I eat and drink normally before my FaceTite appointment in Miami?
In most cases, yes. FaceTite is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, so a full fast usually isn’t required. Eat a light meal, avoid alcohol for at least 72 hours beforehand, and arrive well-hydrated. Your surgeon will confirm specifics based on your anesthesia plan.
How long before FaceTite in Miami should I stop using retinol or skincare acids?
Most surgeons recommend pausing retinoids, tretinoin, and exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs for about one week beforehand, since they can make skin more reactive. Prescription-strength retinoids may need to stop earlier — discuss your specific timeline with your surgeon at consultation.
