How to Make the Most of Your Facelift

Author: Jaylin Khan

Getting a facelift is one of the most appearance altering surgeries you can opt for, as your face draws the most exposure and attention. Because the results from facelifts are dramatic, leaving you looking youthful and rejuvenated, you will want to make the most of it.

As with any procedure, preparation and aftercare are just as significant as the procedures themselves. If you are celebrating the retrieval of your younger years, you'll want to make sure the results last as long as possible.

So, what are some ways you can ensure the outcome is long-lasting and successful?

Have a Healthy Skincare Regimen

Having healthy skin is one of the most crucial elements in ensuring facelift success. If you are not kind to your skin, the results from your facelift will likely be underwhelming and not as eye-grabbing.

Be sure you stay hydrated to improve elasticity and overall health of the face. Also, be sure not to use any harsh chemicals on your face that can damage your cells.

Avoid Sun Exposure

It is no secret that while giving our skin a beautiful glow, the sun can also do its fair share of damage. While it may be tempting to get a nice tan post-operation, this can weaken the results and cause you to lose years of effectiveness.

Directly after surgery, sun exposure is linked to unnecessary swelling and potential scarring It can cause hyperpigmentation of the incision areas, leading to darkening where the cuts were made.

The UV light has also been linked to faster ageing, weathering the skin. Ways to minimize sun exposure, especially in the first year after surgery, is to use sunscreen, wear hats, and keep incision sites covered.

Quit Using Nicotine

Most people are under the assumption that if they do not smoke cigarettes, they don't need to worry. This is false. The use of nicotine such as in vaping pens, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, snuff, and nicotine patches or gum can affect users the same way.

Nicotine classically causes the blood vessels to narrow, leading to restricted blood flow. This leads to the death of tissue. This can cause a whirlwind of trouble for your facelift.

Use of nicotine after a facelift can lead to:

  • Infection

  • Hard lumps due to dead fat cells

  • Delayed healing

  • Blood clots

  • Scarring

  • Accelerated ageing

  • More serious complications like stroke and heart attack

Continuing the use of nicotine can compromise not only your results but also your overall health. It is advised to discontinue the use of all nicotine products 3-6 weeks before surgery and 6 weeks following the operation.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

You should avoid alcohol before and after surgery for optimal results. Because alcohol alters the way your body responds, it can also have several other negative impacts on your surgery.

Alcohol consumption can lead to:

  • Ineffectiveness of medications for surgery

  • Increased swelling and bleeding

  • Dehydration

For a smooth recovery, you should avoid alcohol intake 2 weeks before and after your surgery takes place. Your surgeon can go over the exact time estimates based on your circumstances.

Watch Out for Skin Care Treatments

While you may be trying to improve your facial appearance, undergoing other procedures too soon before or after a facelift can have an adverse effect.

You will want to stay away from:

  • Microdermabrasion

  • Chemical peels

  • Laser skin resurfacing

  • Microneedling

  • Dermaplaning

While you may think these procedures can assist in the effectiveness of the facelift, this is not true. It can damage the skin and other unwanted outcomes.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

The best aftercare you can adhere to maintain the longevity of your procedure is to make overall healthier choices. Diet and exercise have a huge impact on the way your body ages.

If you eat clean, nutritious foods, it will help our body clean itself and rid toxins. Exercise can boost your metabolism and reduce ageing as well. Being sure to destress and get enough rest will also help to enhance your experience.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are plenty of dos and don'ts that can be vital to maintaining your results. You did, after all, invest in this procedure to help you alleviate signs of ageing. You'll want to enjoy as many years looking as youthful as possible.

Each circumstance is unique. No advice can replace working directly with your surgeon to get the most suitable tips for before and aftercare.

To get the utmost professional opinion, contact New York Center for Plastic and Laser Surgery. Andrew Jacono, M.D., F.A.C.S., is one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgeons in New York City. Dr Jacono and his team will take care of all your concerns regarding your procedure. Reach out today!