A face-lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to give you a youthful appearance. It reduces the sagging of the skin on your cheeks and jawline. During a face-lift, the tissues beneath your skin are altered. That returns your face to its original shape and contour. Excess skin is also removed,
A face-lift will not decrease the appearance of wrinkles, nor will it not correct any sun damage. Instead, it aims to reduce the following:
- Sagging skin in your cheeks
- Jowls or excess skin in your jawline
- Folds in the skin
- Excess fat in the neck
If you feel that you need a face-lift or any cosmetic surgery, make sure to visit only certified plastic surgeons for your safety.
Taking Care of Your Skin After a Face-Lift
A face-lift procedure is a serious investment. How you take care of your skin after you have a face-lift can affect how long you will maintain your surgery’s beautiful results. Your face will need a proper skincare regimen and maintenance more than ever.
Your skin will feel extra tender after your face-lift. You may experience mild to moderate pain, swelling, bruising, drainage from the incisions, and numbness. Here are some post-face-lift skincare tips that you can follow.
1. Do not skip washing and moisturizing your face.
Your face may feel tender even with the lightest touch, but that doesn’t mean you should not wash your face. Not washing your face can lead to bacteria build-up, which can then lead to an infection.
Gently wash your skin using a soft cloth or gauze. Use a mild cleanser with antibacterial properties. Use a moisturizer after you wash your face to help reduce scars.
2. Keep your head elevated when you sleep.
You will experience some swelling and bruising after face-lift surgery. These are expected since the face goes through some trauma during the procedure. Expect for the swelling and bruising to get worse days after your surgery.
To keep swelling and bruising to a minimum, prop some pillows when you sleep to keep your head elevated. You can also use cold packs to manage the swelling. Your medical practitioner may give you some supplements or cream to help.
To minimize additional swelling, avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or bumping anything against your face.
3. Stay away from the sun.
If it isn’t possible, make sure to protect your skin whenever you go out. Avoid exposing your bare skin to the sun, especially the incisions, while you are still healing. The incision areas can become darker, and it can prolong the healing of your wounds.
If going out cannot be avoided in the weeks following a face-lift, make sure to put on sunscreen or sunblock to protect your skin. Use products with at least SPF 30 every time you go out. You can also use a wide brim hat and sunglasses for added protection.
4. Drink lots of water.
Hydration is essential to your health and skincare even if you did not undergo a face-lift. Staying hydrated can help your skin heal faster and help you feel better. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to wash out toxins and keep the skin healthy and elastic.
5. Clean and take care of your incisions.
Your surgeon will do his best to hide the scars, but you must also do your part. After washing your face, wash your incisions with the solution that your surgeon will give you. Antibiotic ointment may also be applied to prevent drying. Six weeks after the procedure, you may use some anti-scarring gel.
Other practical tips that can help make healing more manageable include:
- Wear clothes that fasten in the front.
- Avoid using too much makeup.
- Avoid vigorous physical activities.
- Follow your surgeon’s advice on when and what kind of shampoo you can use.
- Avoid hair treatments such as coloring and bleaching in the first six weeks.
Taking Care of Your Skin Years After a Face-Lift
You should still give your skin the TLC it deserves years after a face-lift. It can prolong the beautifying effects of your surgery.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Be consistent in wearing sunscreen and sunblock whenever you go out. It helps protect your skin from aging and sun damage.
Nourish your body.
It is vital to maintain a healthy and balanced diet for beautiful and healthy skin. Load up on fruits and vegetables to help ward off skin aging. It is also essential to avoid foods that can negate your skincare efforts, such as sugar-laden foods.
Use prescribed skincare products.
Use skincare products prescribed to you for your skin type and concerns. Compared to commercial skincare products, medical-grade ones contain active ingredients for smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin.
You can also use cosmetic treatments to add on to the benefits of your face-lift. Talk to your surgeon on how you can continue to have younger-looking and beautiful skin for years to come.