A facelift procedure
can restore a youthful appearance by getting rid of wrinkles,
creases, sagging, and other aging signs. However, just like any other
cosmetic procedure, the success of a facelift depends on what you do
after the surgery.
The recovery duration
after a facelift might differ in patients due to various factors.
However, all patients can shorten their recovery period with the
right post-operative measures. This guide focuses on how to take care
of your skin following a facelift procedure.
Cleanse Your Face
Regularly
After you have
undressed the wounds, according to the surgeon's instructions, you
need to wipe your face clean. Bleeding during the early recovery
period is normal, and thus you should wash your face regularly. Use a
mild antibacterial product and adequate water to wash your face three
times daily.
Wash your face gently,
so you don't irritate the surgical sites. After that, pat dry your
face with a clean towel, and gently apply diluted hydrogen peroxide
with a cotton swab to remove any dried blood. Remember to moisturize
your skin to reduce scars because the incisions may form deep scars
when they are too dry.
Rest Your Head in an
Elevated Position
Rest is vital after a
facelift procedure. However, your head needs to rest in an elevated
position. You can sit on recliner seats to keep your head raised and
use two pillows when you sleep to maintain the position. You need to
observe this tip religiously in the first week after surgery.
Use a Cold Compress
Before your face gets
better, you might experience swelling after a facelift. Fortunately,
you can minimize these side effects with cold therapy. Place ice
cubes in a zip bag, and cover it with a towel or cloth. Place it on
your face and neck for a cold compress.
Cold therapy regulates
blood flow to the surgical sites and, in turn, reduces inflammation.
Do this for the first three days after the procedure.
Don't Hit Your Face
Avoid hitting your face
because this may lead to bleeding and swelling. For the first week
after the procedure, don't carry kids because they might hit your
face with a hand or an object.
Also, mind your steps
so that you don't bump into things. If possible, sleep alone during
this period to avoid unnecessary contact.
Eat Healthy Foods
Diet also plays an
integral part in the healing process. Ensure you eat healthy meals
and drink adequate water. Eat a lot of proteins to obtain
body-building nutrients that will help your wounds heal faster.
Also, eat high dietary
fiber to reduce the chances of constipation. When you constipate, you
strain your skin, which might stretch your incisions. For this
reason, you should eat a lot of fruits and high-fiber foodstuffs,
such as oatmeal.
Take Medications
You will experience
mild pain after the procedure, and thus you will need to take pain
killers. Use the prescribed drugs, such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, and
Advil, and refrain from over-the-counter medications that were not
recommended by the surgeon because they may increase bleeding.
Wear Lighter Makeup
You might be tempted to
use makeup to cover the swelling or discoloration. But this is not
wise since the makeup might penetrate the open wounds and cause
further complications. Wait about a week until all open sores have
healed to apply makeup.
Even after that, use
lighter skin products that are gentle on your skin. Avoid makeup
products with heavy chemicals, at least until the recovery process is
complete.
Limit Sun Exposure
Extreme exposure to the
sun can darken the incisions and delay your recovery. Don't expose
your face to too much sunlight. Although you need sunlight to get
vitamin D, you can reduce the exposure with sunscreen, sunglasses,
and hats. Minimize direct sunlight for about six months after the
surgery.
Facelift surgery is an
innovative procedure to maintain a glowing, younger appearance. These
postoperative measures will help you heal fast without complications.
Our specialists provide
a broad range of plastic surgery procedures for cosmetic purposes. If
you need our services, contact
usand schedule an appointment right away.
