24 Dec What’s The Best Way To Recover From A Facelift For Natural Results?
A More Youthful You
A facelift or rhytidectomy helps the signs of aging in the face and neck. With age, the skin loses elasticity causing unwanted wrinkles, jowls, and sagging skin. Surgery helps to achieve a more youthful, natural look. The procedure involves removing excess skin and repositioning tissue and muscle. After cosmetic surgery comes a period of recovery, full recovery can take several weeks, so an effective plan during that time makes a difference.
What to expect after surgery
After surgery, patients will feel some pain, swelling, and bruising in the incision areas. The pain should last a few days, and the facial swelling should subside after 7 days. However, some patients still feel numbness and tingling for an additional week, up until the surgeon removes the stitches. At this time, patients can resume work and other general activities. However, patients would need several more weeks to see the best results. During recovery and beyond, the following steps can promote natural results.
Take care of your incisions and face
The incisions can feel painful and tender after surgery. In the 2 weeks following surgery, taking care of the incisions is vital. Follow the surgeon’s instructions with dressing while keeping the incisions dry. Avoid makeup, hair dyes, or anything else that can potentially hurt the incisions. Ensure the face is clean, moisturized, and avoid excess sun exposure. The sun during initial recovery can cause harm to results. If going outdoors is necessary, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above.
Limit physical activity
Some patients would want to move about and perform regular tasks immediately after surgery, and excess movement can reduce the quality of results. Surgeons recommend that patients limit physical activity for at least 2 weeks, which means no lifting of objects, exercise, or housework. Take time off work as needed and minimize movements as much as possible.
Rest and stress-free
Use the extra time off work to rest and relax. Some patients would naturally stress the final result since all surgeries come with risks. However, stress is one way to hamper final results. Stress, anxiety, and other psychological triggers directly affect surgical healing. Keep stress levels to a minimum through family support, relaxing areas, sleep, and proper self-care.
Alcohol and smoking
As the swelling and pain begin to subside, patients may be eager to go out and celebrate. Celebrating can sometimes involve alcohol and smoking, which can hamper the results. Although the scientific reasons are unclear, studies show that smoking negatively impacts wound healing. Doctors suggest staying clear of these substances for at least 1 month to see the best results.
Watch what you eat and drink
A healthy diet and hydration during the recovery period can be a game-changer. A diet high in fiber, protein, vitamin B, E, and vitamin C helps recover. Staying hydrated is just as important, and the skin needs hydration for cell turnover, healing, and a youthful appearance. Drinking the suggested 8 glasses daily, at a minimum, should help with results.
Enjoy your facelift
Finally, having that facelift is an exciting event. Patients often think about the final result and the youthful results to come. On average, patients can look over 10 years younger. However, that new, natural look depends on a smooth recovery, general health, and age. Keeping the body and mind rested, fed, and healthy can help recovery. At the same time, take care of the wounds and follow the surgeon’s instructions. In the end, patients should see more natural results.