27 Feb A Year After Your Facelift: How To Maintain Your New Look
Still Satisfied 1 Year Post-Facelift?
For the thousands of people who get facelifts yearly, the results are usually satisfying. A facelift brings tighter skin, fewer wrinkles, and increased confidence. However, 1 year later, patients can start to have concerns about the procedure’s longevity, wondering when wrinkles might appear again. On average, a facelift lasts 10 years before the signs of aging reappear. However, this timeline can be cut short with poor habits and no maintenance. Here are some valuable tips to keep facelifts fresh for years.
An iron-clad skincare routine
While a facelift can reverse some signs of aging, skin still needs daily care to remain clean and fresh. Makeup, dirt, and pollution can all clog pores and decrease cell turnover. Surgeons suggest a skincare routine with dermatologist-recommended products to maintain a youthful look. The proper routine should include a cleanser, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. The products should contain humectants to keep the skin hydrated. Other useful ingredients include retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Establish a day and night routine for the best results.
Limit sun exposure
Getting outside is the best way to get a daily dose of vitamin D, but sun overexposure can speed up the signs of aging. The sun’s harmful rays can damage skin, causing hyperpigmentation, thinner skin, and more wrinkles. These changes can reduce the longevity of facelifts. Limit sun exposure if possible, or wear protective clothing when outside. More importantly, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Some daily moisturizers come with SPF for ease of use. Look for the best one on the market and reapply every 2-3 hours.
Diet and exercise matters
Healthy, wrinkle-free skin can be achieved from the inside out. A healthy diet can do wonders for the skin. Heavily processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats can increase oil production, cause acne, and speed up the signs of aging. A whole-food diet consisting of grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables is best. Adding proper daily hydration can also help prevent excess water loss. Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise keeps facial muscles toned, helps with circulation, and relieves stress, which can lead to wrinkles.
Check your surgeon
Getting a facelift is a lifelong decision. Scheduling consultations with the surgeon who performed the procedure at least once yearly can help maintain the facelift. During the check-in, the doctor can recommend different non-surgical cosmetic procedures to keep the skin fresh. For instance, a dermatologist can perform microneedling or chemical peels to help with cell turnover, revealing smooth, tight skin. Dermal fillers are another option that can add volume and smooth wrinkles. Diluted injectables can also encourage collagen and keratin production, which declines over time. These procedures play an excellent supporting role in the facelift.
A refreshed look for years
Facelifts should last 10 years or longer, depending on age and current skin health. However, proper skincare and habits ensure the skin remains tight, fresh, and wrinkle-free. Focus on a solid skincare routine, exercise, and a good diet. When outside, use sunscreen to reduce damage. As a bonus, focus on non-surgical cosmetic procedures so the facelift can shine for years to come.