The secret to maintaining a youthful look is not a mythical fountain of youth. The more effective method of having a young and vibrant look is with a facelift and an eye lift. Going under any plastic surgeon’s knife does not guarantee that you will look fantastic with that alone, however. Incorporate certain steps to ensure that you have successful results with your facial rejuvenation surgery. The aftercare protocol you should follow is just as important as the procedure itself for how youthful and refreshed you will appear.
What To Do Before Your Facelift Procedure
Before you go under the knife, ask your plastic surgeon everything you want to know about how to properly care for your skin before -and following- your procedure. You need to put a lot of preparation into your skin care and with the things you’ll need around your home while you recover. Some question ideas for your plastic surgeon are to ask them about their experience, how best to prepare your skin before your procedure, what you should have around your home to help your skin post-surgery, and what kind of health you should be in before the procedure.
Ideally, be at a stable and healthy weight for your body. You should maintain regular physical exercise and your weight after your procedure. If you gain and lose too much weight, it can stretch out your skin and damage the results of your lift. Before your procedure, it is recommended by some plastic surgeons to ensure you drink enough water every day and to use a skin care product that contains Retinol and Vitamin C. Ask your plastic surgeon if that is something you should do.
You should also make a lifestyle change before your surgery. You should quit smoking. Smoking can be terrible for your face while it is healing. It can result in serious complications post-surgery regarding blood flow in your body. You should additionally switch up your diet. Add more vegetables and fruit to your diet. Consume healthy and balanced meals.
What To Expect Afterwards?
Afterward, you will need around two to three weeks to recover before you can return to work. You could return sooner if you need to, but there will be clear signs you are healing from a facial procedure. You should have swelling and bruising and a clear scar for a few weeks. It may take longer even, but you can definitely go back to work or about your life if you are comfortable going places with a bruised or puffy face. You should use a cool compress to reduce the swelling of your face. This will be the most helpful way to keep down swelling. You should additionally take any pain medication that your surgeon prescribes to keep you as comfortable as possible while you are recovering. You should also take Advil as necessary following the procedure.
How Many Fluids Should I Drink?
You should drink a lot of fluids! Drinking more water and other hydrating beverages is the best way to keep your skin refreshed, even when you are not going through surgery. When you go through surgery your body and your skin is recovering and needs the extra fluids even more. You should drink up to a gallon of water a day if you can manage it. If not, at least aim for 6 glasses of water throughout the day. Drinking more water will help your recovery time and keep your skin looking youthful even once you recover from your lift. Drinking water every day will help your surgery results last longer.
How Should You Sleep?
Sleeping post-surgery can be a challenge. It’s key to keep your head propped up while you are sleeping or lying down. Use around two to three pillows to elevate your head. Purchase a few new pillows so you can rest comfortably after the surgery. Keeping propped up helps with fluid draining away properly and with reducing swelling after your surgery. Your plastic surgery office will also give you special pads for your pillows to help absorb any fluid leaking from your face. You can expect to have fluid drainage for one to two days following the procedure.
When Can I Use Cosmetics or Moisturizers?
Don’t apply cosmetics or moisturizers where the incisions are right after your surgery. It could cause an infection if you do. Your plastic surgeon will give you the go-ahead when your skin is ready. Once your skin has healed enough, ask your plastic surgeon what cosmetics or moisturizers they recommend for you to use. Some plastic surgeons recommend that you use Bio-Oil to help heal the scarring from your facelift.
How To Avoid Infection
Infection or a blood clot are only some big concerns following a lift of your face. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and going to the hospital ER if you notice any problems with your health following your surgery, should help you avoid having a health complication from a blood clot. To avoid getting an infection, take steps to ensure that you are clean. Don’t allow pets near your face or your bed for the first few days after your procedure. Do not shower until the next day after the surgery. Do not scrub where the incision is. Keep gauze on hand to clean up any oozing from drainage. You should additionally wash your hands often and your bedding and clothing. If you note any signs of infection, immediately go into the ER.
Why Not Just Choose An Expert?
However, there is no better tip on getting the best facelift results than choosing an expert with many years of experience. A surgeon whose results really showcase their ability. A specialist whose before-and-after galleries exceed expectations. A surgeon like Dr. Andrew Jacono.
Dr. Jacono, of New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery, is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in New York. A look at his facial work and it’s no wonder Vitals has listed him in the Top 10 Facial Plastic Surgeons in New York. Contact Dr. Jacono today, a NYC-based facelift expert who can make your goals reality.