Most young people do not think about potentially needing a facelift in the future. Many people think that once they have survived their teenage years, the worst of growing up is behind them. However, the middle ages tend to prove even more difficult for people than they ever imagined. Their confidence begins to wane as they look in the mirror and see someone who is starting to look older, but at the same time feeling like they are still young and vibrant. It can be frustrating and discouraging, but if you are one of these people, you need to realize that a traditional facelift is an easy way to fix this problem.
Numerous prospective facelift patients visit board-certified facial plastic surgeons each day, hoping for natural results after their facelift procedure. Only expert plastic surgeons are capable of creating these seamless results. However, prospective patients need to understand the importance of caring for themselves during the course of their recovery. Patients who tend to their incisions after a facelift procedure will find that there is minimal scarring after the recovery process is complete. The following tips will help patients or their loved ones take care of their incisions.
Caring for Your Incisions
Do Not Shower or Shampoo
Do not shower or shampoo your hair for at least 48 hours after the operation and your bandages have been removed.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Keep your head elevated for at least 48 hours after surgery to help reduce the amount of pressure on the incision site as well as to keep the amount of swelling down. This is one of the most critical parts of the recovery process. Patients who do not keep their heads elevated will find the recovery to be more difficult and ultimately last longer than necessary.
Check for Infections
Check the incision area every day to monitor the situation. Always be on the lookout for signs of infection, as infection symptoms need to be addressed immediately. Common signs of infection include fever, increased redness, warmth at the incision site, or increased pain near the incision area. If you think you may be experiencing infection signs or symptoms, contact the cosmetic surgeon as soon as possible.
Protection from the Sun
Protect your scars from the sun for at least a year after the operation. Always wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher, regardless of the weather outside on any given day. This will help to minimize the appearance of the scars, as well as protect your skin, which is especially vulnerable after the facelift procedure.
Steri-Strips
Don’t remove the steri-strips that have been placed over your incision. They will fall off naturally when ready. Avoid dying your hair. If you want to dye your hair, talk with your doctor ahead of time.
How to Use Makeup
Makeup should not be used until all sutures and steri-strips have been removed. Patients should purchase new makeup to use after their surgery in order to prevent infection at the incision site. Be careful to only apply makeup to areas where there might be bruising. Do not put makeup directly on the incision area.
The Importance of an Excellent Recovery Period
The average patient will spend between 7-10 days recovering after their facelift procedure. It’s important that patients are cautious during this time and take the time they need in order to rest and relax. The ultimate success of the surgery depends on the patient’s cooperation during the recovery process. It’s during this time that the body is healing, and the end results are determined. Patients can book a free cosmetic consultation for information about the facelift procedure. At that time, they can discuss the specifics of the recovery process with an expert facial plastic surgeon.
Ideally, it would be best if you tried to work with one of the top facial plastic surgeons. Many people visit plastic surgeons hoping to have a traditional facelift done in order to combat those frustrating initial signs of aging. This cosmetic surgery is an easy choice for many people as it does not take long to complete, and the recovery is not as challenging as other cosmetic surgery options. The goal of any facelift procedure is to remove excess skin and tighten the facial muscles, allowing the patient to look the way they did ten years prior to the surgery.
Preparing for Facelift Procedures
Most patients are between the ages of 40 and 70 years old when they book that initial consultation to talk with a cosmetic surgery expert about this procedure. It is important that facelift candidates are, in fact, starting to age. They must have sagging skin around the cheeks and jowls, as well as a good facial bone structure that will serve as a guideline for the surgeon.
Facelift patients need to recognize, though, that this procedure cannot stop the aging process from continuing. After several years, patients will begin to see the signs of aging again on their faces. The good news is a revision facelift can be performed in order to maintain that youthful appearance. This surgery can be performed 8-10 years after the primary facelift.
The facelift procedure is completed by the surgeon using a local anesthetic. Most patients will spend between 7 and 10 days recovering, and there might be minor swelling on the face. Typically, though, patients are able to resume their normal daily activities within a week. This is a discrete and effective procedure — everyone will be wondering just what it is about you that is different.