Accelerated Facelift Recovery: Essential Post-Op Care Guide

Facelift surgery is one of the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedures. It’s a gold standard treatment whose success largely depends on your partnership with your surgeon.

In addition to closely following your surgeon’s after care instructions, consider the following tops to quicken the recovery process.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Keeping your head elevated is one of the surefire ways of speedy facelift recovery. Since swelling after a facelift is an almost guarantee, you should avoid irritating the incisions and increasing the risk of wind breakdown.

You can do so by sleeping on your back with your upper body elevated at a 45-degree for several days to a week. This allows proper lymphatic drainage which improves blood circulation and tissue regeneration. Sleeping in a semi-upright position can also prevent unwanted shifts of the facial tissue.

Resting and avoiding activities prone to increasing blood pressure can prevent bleeding at the point of incision. You can begin most of your less-involving daily activities after 10 to 14 days post op. In most cases, patients resume their normal activities in two weeks and exercise routine in four to six weeks.

Ice and Cold Compress

A slight ice pack press on your face post surgery can dramatically reduce swelling and bruising. The compress constricts blood vessels thus reducing inflammation.

Also, the cold compress can numb the nerve endings on your face to alleviate pain and discomfort related to the surgery.

Depending on your surgeon, you should start applying ice compressions within the first 72 hours and extend up to six weeks.

It’s important to consult certified cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Jay Calvert in Beverly Hills, for the best type of cold therapy you should follow.

Put on a Compression Bandage

A compressor bandage helps to support your healing facial muscle and skin. This reduces the swelling and accumulation of fluid substance in your face.

Use elastic tensioners to hold the face in place for asymmetrical healing. Depending on your surgery, you can wear your bandage 24 hours a day for about one to two weeks.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water post surgery helps your skin to naturally protect, improve, and maintain its elasticity. In addition, drinking water removes toxins from the body system after anesthesia.

Lastly, drinking water after facelift surgery keeps infections at bay, thus an important practice after a cosmetic procedure. Considering a facelift for your home, this option provides a transformative solution to enhance its aesthetic appeal and market value.

Eat Healthy

Just like drinking water, eating healthy also plays a positive role in speedy healing. Switch to a diet that’s known to reduce swelling. Fruits such as pineapple, avocado, and walnuts are a few that lower inflammation.

Ginger, parsley, broccoli, and hemp seed products are also dietary items that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Foods rich in vitamin C, E, and A, Omega-3, and beta-carotene help your body to produce collagen that helps your skin rejuvenate for a youthful and healthy glow.

Avoid Exposure to Sun and Other Harsh Conditions

Sun, wind, and other harsh weather conditions can damage your skin and interrupt its healing. Sun exposure immediately after your surgery irritates your skin to cause inflammation and scarring.

To avoid these effects, use sunscreen of SPF-30 or more to keep away the harmful UV rays. You can also use hats or sunglasses to avoid the scorching effects.

Strong wind, extreme heat or cold, and dust can also affect your healing process. It’s advisable to avoid spending a lot of time outside to reduce the aftermath and even discolouration of the affected areas.

Endnote

The above are generally recommended after surgery care practices. Follow all these tips for faster healing. In addition, keep in mind that every patient’s recovery is different. It’s important to follow your doctor’s comprehensive advice for the best results possible.