After a surgical facelift, it is common to want to resume your regular routine as soon as possible. The desire to return to your ‘regular’ lifestyle poses a problem: it can compromise the quality of your healing process and affect the overall results of your facelift. To get the best results following surgery, there are five crucial things you can do to respect your body and protect your facelift results.
1. Listen to Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Many of the post-surgical rules can feel excessive, but they are in place for a reason. If you do not understand why you cannot do something, ask questions. Your surgeon can explain how it can affect your healing.
2. Actively Monitor the Incisions
Although infections are rare, monitoring the incision sites is critical to catching small problems before they become serious. Always wash your hands with soap and water before examining or touching your surgical sites, and while you are inspecting, make sure all stitches and sutures are intact. Cleanse your incision sites according to your doctor’s instructions and be as gentle as possible to prevent irritation.
3. Walk Around
As long as you have the all-clear from the surgeon, it is important to walk around. Staying in one static position risks bedsores, blood clots and other significant problems. Gentle walking keeps your blood flowing and your strength up.
4. Elevate Your Head
When you are lying down, use comfortable pillows to elevate your head. This will drain fluids away from your face, reduce swelling and relieve any pressure from excess fluid.
5. Wear Sunscreen
Once you are ready to head outdoors, keep out of direct sunlight. Not only does it contribute to the signs of aging and skin cancer, but it can also compromise your ability to heal and slow down your recovery. Ask your doctor when you can safely apply sunscreen following surgery and add a wide-brimmed hat for extra sun protection.
Protecting Your Facelift Results is Worth the Wait
It is normal to want fast recovery and a return to normal activity as soon as possible but following the surgeon’s instructions and being patient will pay off in the long run. Beautiful, long-lasting results are worth the wait.
If you are ready to discuss your facelift possibilities, contact the office of double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg today.
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