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7 Tips for Caring for Your Skin After a Facelift Procedure

After a lot of thought and time spent fretting over your aging face, you have decided to take the plunge and rejuvenate your appearance by getting a facelift. The results are stunning — your skin looks and feels tighter, with fewer wrinkles around your cheeks, mouth, and jawline.

After your facelift plastic surgery at New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, now is the time to pamper your skin and follow your plastic surgeon’s orders, and you’ll soon enjoy showing off your new, youthful look!

Your skin care regimen following your facelift will not only make all the difference in the healing process, but it will also have an impact on how you look as you heal.

After plastic surgery, follow these seven skin care tips to expedite the healing process and maintain your youthful appearance. When you aren’t sure about anything, don’t hesitate to inquire.

1. Cleanse

On the first day following your procedure, you must remove the bandages and clean the incisions to prevent a buildup of bacteria that could lead to infections.

Once the bandages are off, be gentle on your skin, especially any areas of swelling and tenderness. Don’t be surprised to experience some light to mild bleeding around the incision sites, which is typical.

Without applying too much pressure, gently wash your incisions with water and antibacterial soap or facial cleanser. Then, gently pat it dry. You can do this up to three times a day. If your plastic surgeon recommends it, you can also apply a little peroxide followed by a light layer of antibacterial ointment.

2. Moisturize

After cleansing, moisturize your skin with a soft cloth and mild antibacterial cleanser, a step that will help minimize scarring. Follow the cleanser by applying a moisturizer, preferably an unscented one.

Keeping your skin moisturized, especially around the incisions, can reduce the appearance of scars and help your face heal flawlessly. Hydrated and moisturized skin will prevent scarring of the incisions. Smooth, supple skin is essentially a guarantee, provided you maintain your moisturizing routine.

3. Reduce Bruising and Swelling

Your face might swell or become bruised after your facelift, but these after-effects will diminish over time. Elevate your head when sleeping or resting. You can also use cold compresses to reduce swelling.

4. Avoid the Sun

Many doctors recommend limited sunlight exposure for your skin, but not after having facelift surgery. While soaking up vitamin D in small doses can help you stay healthy and happy, too much contact with ultraviolet rays might harm your incisions.

Avoid being out in the sun for too long, as this might cause the incisions to darken, and it could also prolong your recovery period. When going outdoors or sitting near a bright window, use a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.

5. Go Easy on the Makeup

When you resume using makeup products, seek less irritating, lightweight mineral options. Cover any discoloration caused by bruising using yellow-based concealers, and green variants to cover redness. Remember to remove your makeup before going to bed every night.

Before applying makeup, take care to ensure your incisions have closed completely. Getting makeup in an open wound can cause an infection and increase your recovery time.

Once the swelling goes down and bruising disappears, and you’ve had more time to heal, you’re going to look sensational. In time, you can pick up your usual beauty routine and your favorite makeup.

6. Hydrate and Eat Healthy

Drink clear liquids during the days following your surgery, and be sure to include plenty of proteins in your diet. Avoid skipping meals, which can affect your healing process.

Be sure to follow a high-fiber diet with lots of whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Though water is the best option for hydration, you can consume other drinks containing vitamins and minerals if they are low in sugar content.

7. Give Your Skin Time to Heal

Many people are excited to return to their daily routines as soon as possible after surgery. However, your facelift results depend on patience and time. Though it’s understandable you want to proudly reveal your new look to everyone in your life, give yourself ample opportunities to heal and avoid rushing back out in the world.

By following these tips for skin care after your facelift, you should heal quickly and be able to show off your beautiful results in no time.

Discuss Your Aesthetic Goals With New Orleans’ Top Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Parker Verlago and Dr. Celeste Gary at the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery are board-certified plastic surgeons with unique expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose and face.

Call us at (504) 533-8848 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.