What Not to Do After a Facelift
A facelift can be an exciting and transforming procedure for most people. It helps you get a contoured, bright, and youthful face. Individuals with sagging skin, jowls, and wrinkles often opt for the procedure to get a more natural and youthful look.
After a facelift, know how to take proper care of yourself for a quick and safe recovery. Following postoperative instructions will minimize the risk of swelling, pain, and infection, among other surgical complications. It is also vital to know what to avoid doing after your surgery. Read on to learn more.
Reduce Physical Activity
Most active people cannot wait to resume their usual routine after getting a cosmetic surgical procedure, like a facelift. Some love to work out and go to the gym, while others prefer running, hiking or group training classes.
You may get stressed about taking time off and the worry of losing any of the progress from exercising or lifting weights before your facelift procedure. But any strenuous activity, such as lifting heavy things, strains your incisions. Hence, the entire facelift procedure can get undone entirely. It is vital to listen to the instructions your board certified plastic surgeon at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa gives you, and wait for about two weeks till the swellings reduce and your incisions heal.
Surgery trauma can also cause hormonal changes. They can make you feel sluggish and depressed. Ideally, you take some bed rest. You can also do a moderate activity to get your blood flowing and to lift your mood. Doing so will help promote healing.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Smoking is generally not good for your overall health. It slows the healing process after surgery. Thus, it is ideal to avoid tobacco products and cigarettes. You can also quit and if you have a hard time doing so, ask your medical doctor to help you quit smoking.
Your blood flow can decrease due to nicotine. A flow of oxygenated blood is necessary to get to your incisions for proper healing. Alcohol causes dehydration and affects blood circulation. So, avoid taking alcoholic beverages.
Avoid Taking Blood Thinners
Reduce your chances of bleeding while recovering from a facelift by avoiding blood thinners like garlic and aspirin. Use painkillers such as Tylenol when your plastic surgeon instructs. It is also essential to talk to your plastic surgeon about any blood thinners you may be on to avoid cases of blood clotting or circulatory problems.
Evade Direct Sunlight
Harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage your skin. A facelift surgery causes your facial skin to be more vulnerable to direct exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen with a rating of SPF 15 or more when outdoors. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat. Refrain from tanning six weeks after the facelift procedure.
Avoid Abrasive Facial Cleaners
Wash your face by using gentle facial cleansers during recovery. Avoid scrubbing your face using exfoliants. Do not wear makeup for about one week to keep your incisions clean to avoid contaminants.
Avoid Scratching Your Skin
Sometimes, your face may feel itchy while you recover from surgery. Do your best to avoid scratching or rubbing so you do not bleed and experience discomfort.
To discuss any other questions or tips to promote a fast and safe recovery post facelift call Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego, California at 858-264-3800.