Facelift Recovery Tips You Want to Know
- Posted on: Apr 15 2022
Facelift surgery has been on more people’s radar this past year than in previous years. The boom has been so significant that researchers looked into the various reasons more people sought some form of facial rejuvenation. For the most part, this increase was attributed to the shift toward more virtual interactions. More people worked online. More people got “face-to-face” time with friends via online platforms and video chats. This means we all may have seen our own reflections more than we ever had before. For many, what was reflected wasn’t in line with how they felt on the inside. Facelift surgery to the rescue! If you’re considering facelift surgery, you’ll want to know how to recover well.
We’ll discuss that here via a few simple tips.
- Follow doctor’s orders. Before your facelift, your surgeon or surgical team will discuss your recovery and what you can expect. You will receive written post-op instructions before undergoing surgery. Review them ahead of time so you can ask questions if needed. Review them with those who will be a part of your home care team after surgery so they, too, understand how to help you heal. Then, follow these instructions to a tee.
- Swelling and bruising. There is no way to prevent post-operative swelling and bruising. What you can do, though, is expect them and manage them. Before swelling and bruising get better, know that they will get worse. This isn’t because something is wrong, it’s just the body’s recovery cycle. To reduce these side effects, sleep with your head elevated. As needed for comfort, apply cold compresses to the areas that hurt.
- Skin care. Post-operative instructions discuss how to care for the skin. As your incisions are healing, it will be important to prevent bacterial accumulation around the area. Due to soreness and tenderness, it can be tempting to avoid touching and washing the face. However, to do so would be to increase the risk of infection. Use a mild soap and gentle, gentle motion to cleanse the skin, and also remember to moisturize. To make the process more comfortable, try cleansing and moisturizing at a time when the effects of pain medication are strong.
- Sun protection. As part of caring for the skin, sun protection is a must after a facelift. Sun damage is a leading cause of premature aging, so patients are generally encouraged to avoid too much sun exposure after a facial rejuvenation procedure. During recovery, due to the effects of sunlight on incisions, it is necessary to avoid direct sun exposure. This can be achieved by limiting your time outdoors in the sun and also by wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you do begin to go outside.
- Scarring. Many patients who undergo a facelift want to know how to prevent scarring. There is no way to do this. There are, however, ways to promote optimal wound healing. The body will create scar tissue around any cut or scrape. To manage this process, take excellent care of the skin around your incisions. Your post-operative instructions may discuss using an antibiotic cream for some time. Once your incisions have fully closed, you may be able to apply a scar cream or special oil to promote tissue repair. The vast majority of people who have a facelift are very happy with the way their incisions heal.
You deserve to look and feel like your best self. To learn more about facial rejuvenation, contact us at 713.271.9000 and schedule a visit to our Houston or Sugar Land office.
Posted in: Facelift
