24 Jun Beyond Resting: 4 Post-Facelift Essentials For A Smooth & Speedy Recovery
The Power Of Facelifts
Facelifts are an innovative cosmetic procedure that helps combat aging signs. Cosmetic procedures like facelifts are rising in popularity, especially with an aging population. Surgeons now perform over 130,000 facelifts yearly. A surgeon can access facial tissue and muscles through incisions around the hairline toward the ear. By gently manipulating and stretching the tissue and skin layers, the surgeon reduces wrinkles and tightens facial contours. Facelifts are especially useful for middle-aged adults with jowls, wrinkles, and sagging skin on the lower face. The procedure is effective and has high success and satisfaction rates. However, post-facelift recovery is vital for the best outcome.
Why should you focus on facelift recovery?
Facelifts are surgeries done with the patient under general anesthesia that can take a few hours. Now, mini facelifts use smaller incisions for more subtle improvements in the lower face. Whatever the process, a smooth, speedy recovery is necessary for the patient to enjoy the procedure’s benefits. Proper recovery ensures optimal results, allowing the skin and tissue to settle in the desired locations. Taking recovery seriously also minimizes complications and makes the overall process more comfortable for the patient. Achieving a smooth, speedy recovery is easy once the patient focuses on these 4 post-facelift essentials.
1. Keep swelling at bay with some TLC
All surgery involves incisions to the skin and tissue, and a facelift is no different. The body and surgical site naturally respond with pain, swelling, and inflammation to heal the incisions as quickly as possible. At the same time, excess swelling and inflammation prolongs healing and may lead to complications. The doctor will recommend steps to keep swelling at bay. For instance, applying a cool compress regularly to the surgical site during the first 2 weeks of surgery can help. Taking the necessary pain medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also helps. Less inflammation ensures fast yet natural healing and may even minimize scarring.
2. Give your body healing nourishment
After surgery, the body is recovering and repairing tissue, even at a cellular level. The body also needs enough raw materials and nutrients for regular function and healing. Adopting a diet specific to healing is the best way to provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for post-facelift recovery. Foods rich in these components, like fruit and green, leafy vegetables, can provide all that the body needs to heal. Lean proteins like chicken and fish provide the protein required for rebuilding damaged muscle and tissue. These foods are recommended in a balanced diet, along with removing processed foods known to increase and prolong inflammation.
3. The right form of rest
After surgery, rest is best. The surgical team will recommend lots of rest within the first 2 weeks of surgery. Rest does not necessarily mean constant sleeping, though sleep is vital. The goal is to minimize strenuous activity during the day. Stay in a relaxed environment and do activities like reading or minimal desk work. Take time to get up and stretch to improve circulation and blood pressure. While resting, keep the head elevated with pillows to help with drainage, circulation, and minimizing swelling. As facelifts do not need extensive recovery, prioritizing rest ensures a speedy recovery in the long run.
4. Follow your doctor to the letter
Sometimes, sticking to the doctor’s instructions is the best way for a smooth, speedy recovery. Most skilled surgeons have performed hundreds of facelifts. These experts know what the body needs for post-facelift success. For instance, the medical team will emphasize the importance of hydration to improve circulation and reduce puffiness. The surgeon also recommends diet, wound care, and rest. Above all, attend all follow-up sessions so the doctor can monitor progress, identify complications, and recommend changes accordingly.
Smooth recovery means smoothing those wrinkles
A facelift is a great tool to combat severe wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls that do not respond to conservative strategies. However, with any cosmetic surgery, recovery can determine long-term success. Focusing on rest, nourishment, and wound healing are the cornerstones of post-facelift bliss. Before deciding on a facelift, put together an effective recovery plan that combines rest, diet, and a relaxing environment conducive to a speedy result.