The UK, France, and the US schedule the most cosmetic surgeries every year. In fact, facelifts are one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures completed every year. Before scheduling your facelift surgery, it’s important to have a plan. Otherwise, you could fail to take proper care of your skin. You might not notice the desired results if you don’t maintain your aftercare regimen.
Here are five essential steps for proper facelift recovery. With these tips, you can schedule your appointment with peace of mind. Discover how to take care of yourself during the recovery period with these five easy tips!
1. Keep Squeaky Clean
Almost 1.5 million people in the UK will have scheduled nonsurgical treatment such as Botox by the end of this year.
In the first 24 hours after your procedure, take the time to rest. You might experience mild bleeding while your bandages are in place. That’s normal.
Pay attention to any symptoms you experience. If your pain is severe, let your doctor know.
After a day or two, you can schedule an appointment to remove your bandages. Make sure to follow your physician’s instructions.
Many patients experience tenderness and mild pain around the incision site. Remind yourself to wash your face three times a day. Washing with antibacterial soap and water will help you avoid an infection.
As you clean your face, remain gentle. Consider purchasing a mild antibacterial cleaner to remove bacteria.
After patting your face dry, create a mixture of equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide. You can apply to the mixture using a Q-tip. Otherwise, ask your doctor for an antibiotic ointment.
Don’t forget to moisturize. Moisturizing helps reduce scars and minimize dryness.
Throughout the day, it’s important to keep your face clean. Cleansing and moisturizing are essential for cleaning away bacteria and reducing the risk of infection.
Your Makeup Routine
Do you refuse to leave the house without makeup? Try to wait before reaching for your favorite bottle of concealer.
It’s normal to experience swelling. You might feel the instinct to cover the swelling using makeup. Unfortunately, using makeup immediately following your procedure could increase the risk of infection.
You likely won’t leave your house for a week or two following the procedure. During that time, give your face a chance to heal. You can ask your doctor when it’s appropriate to use makeup again.
Most people wait for about a week. Before you apply concealer, though, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for any open wounds
- Choose a light, mineral makeup instead of heavy liquid
- Use a green base to balance the redness of your skin
- Wash your makeup off every night
When comparing your facelift before and after photos, you’ll notice your younger appearance. You probably won’t need makeup anymore. In the meantime, aim for a natural look to minimize the appearance of swelling.
2. Dodge the Sunshine
Many people love turning their faces to the sun for a healthy dose of vitamin D. Direct exposure to sunlight after facelift surgery can do more harm than good, though.
Try to avoid direct sunlight to your face for a month after the procedure. You should avoid exposing your incisions to the light for about six months. Otherwise, sun exposure can darken the incision area.
You’ll have to wait even longer to recover from your surgery.
If you do head outside, make sure to:
- Apply sunscreen with a high SPF
- Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat
- Slip-on a pair of glasses to avoid squinting (which causes wrinkles)
You can consult your doctor to confirm when it’s okay to head out in the sunlight without coverage again.
3. Minimize Damage
One of the main purposes of facelift recovery is to minimize scarring, swelling, and bruising as much as possible. You might notice your swelling gets worse in the days following your procedure. It will likely look the worst in the morning, around the jaw.
To minimize swelling and bruising:
- Use cold compresses
- Keep your head elevated
- Use pillows when you sleep to remain comfortable
- Avoid bending over and heavy lifting
- Avoid unnecessary activity
- Don’t use aspirin, garlic, ginkgo, or ginseng (which can cause bleeding)
Make sure to schedule an appointment with your surgeon to remove your bandages after a few days. You’ll also need additional follow-up appointments to check on your progress. Try to visit your doctor during the first three weeks after the procedure.
Is your skin starting to peel? Do you notice any scabs?
Do not peel or pick at your skin. Touching your skin can increase the chances of an infection and scarring.
If your skin is bothering you, use vitamin E, cocoa butter, or scar gel. Only use these ointments six weeks following the procedure. Massage them in with care to keep your skin soft.
To ensure your skin doesn’t dry out, use an antibiotic or Vaseline.
Everyone’s skin heals differently. Your facelift recovery time may take a little longer than someone else’s.
Your doctor will review the incision site for signs of swelling and bruising. Certain factors can impact how long your results last.
4. Eat and Drink Right
Your diet can impact your ability to heal as well. First, make sure to remain hydrated. Water can help your skin look clear and youthful.
For the first few days after the procedure, only consume clear liquids. Focus on a high protein diet as well. Don’t forget fiber.
Remain hydrated and nourished will ensure your body removes toxins that could impact your skin health.
5. Schedule Treatments
How much does a facelift cost? Prices can vary based on your location and surgeon.
If you decide to schedule the procedure, you’ll want to make sure it’s money well spent!
Wait at least three months before getting any facial treatments. You might consider additional treatments to maintain your skin, such as laser treatments or chemical peels. Make sure to consult your doctor, first.
Ensure Stunning Results: 5 Essential Steps for Facelift Recovery
Comparing your facelift before and after photos will feel like a dream if you use these tips. These steps for facelift recovery can help maximize your results. They can also help you avoid complications and reduce your recovery time!
Ready to consult our team about your next treatment?
Contact us today to arrange your consultation!
