6 Aftercare Tips To Follow Post-Facelift Surgery
Facelift recovery looks different for different individuals. But these tips, in addition to your doctor’s suggestions, can help reduce the chances of complications post-facelift surgery.
1. Cleansing and Moisturizing
The 24-hour period following a facelift surgery is crucial. Of course, there will be pain and bleeding is normal but be mindful of how your face is reacting. Rest is important. After 24 hours, you can remove the bandages. The areas around the incisions will feel tender but remember to wash them with soap three times daily to prevent infections.
While washing, be gentle and use a mild antibacterial cleanser to ward off the build-up of bacteria. In case your surgeon has prescribed antibiotic ointment, be sure to apply that. In all cases, keep your face moisturized as it prevents scarring.
2. Don’t Wear Makeup
Following cosmetic surgery, healing the skin naturally is more important than covering your scars or swelling which is very natural and over time, automatically goes away. So, your blush and concealer can wait. Instead, let your skin breathe at least for a week or two before you start applying makeup. But make sure that there are no open wounds and remember to remove the makeup before going to bed. Also, religiously cleanse and moisturize for healthier skin.
3. Minimize Bleeding and Swelling
Unfortunately, the bruising and swelling right after a facelift treatment worsen before healing can truly begin. Cold compresses can help with pain and discomfort. Icing the area of the incision can also prevent discoloration. Keeping the head elevated also minimizes the chances of bruising and swelling so use many pillows while sleeping to keep your head upright.
Heavy swelling in the mornings is natural. Other ways to help with it are:
· Do not lift heavy items
· Do not bend
· Try not to bump your face and neck against anything.
We have already mentioned that slight bleeding is normal and nothing to be afraid of. Activities like coughing, sneezing, bending, or anything that causes strain and raises blood pressure, leading to bleeding. Avoid drugs like aspirin or herbs such as garlic and ginseng.
However, keep in mind that it varies from individual to individual so contacting your surgeon and following their guidelines is always recommended.
4. Low Activity
Recovery from facelift surgery takes months so don’t be alarmed if your face feels numb for a long time. For two weeks after the treatment, keep away from strenuous activities. And when you get back, ease your body into it, and do not overexert yourself. This can cause more harm and set you back. Also, remember to consult your surgeon before you start exercising.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
A qualified and expert surgery center like Kaayakalp will always review these tips for your safety but some are so basic for skin health that you can safely follow them. Keeping skin hydrated by drinking tons of water is suggested by all dermatologists. This is true for cosmetic surgeries as well. In addition to water, you can also drink fluids with minerals to get extra doses of vitamins and nutrients. Diet is also important. Stock up on high-calorie and protein meals for nutrients that help your body heal faster. Following facelift surgery, you will be low on activities so add fiber to your diet as well.
So, a balanced diet and lots of water keep the toxins out of your system, making it easy to heal and keep your skin nourished and healthy.
6. Post-Surgery Treatments
As per New York Times, cosmetic surgery experimentations date back to the late 19th and early-20th centuries. Since then, the field of cosmetic surgery has witnessed several advances including post-surgery aftercare methods. However, facelift surgery does not stop ageing; it simply hides the signs of ageing. So, additional treatments can help you retain your youthful appearance while keeping your skin healthy. But, for that, consult your surgeon and discuss long-term plans that will maintain your skin like chemical peeling, laser, or Botox treatments.
These are the basics that can help you heal. But for professional facelift surgery aftercare guidelines, visit Kaayakalp. If you are unsure about getting a facelift surgery, read our blog to know how it can help you.
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