Over 100,000 facelifts are performed in the United States every year. If you are about to become part of this statistic, and regardless of the reasoning behind the procedure, the recovery process of a facelift is just as important as the surgery. To achieve the best results, here are some tips for a speedy facelift recovery.
5 Incredible Tips for a Speedy Facelift Recovery
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If you have your facelift at SpaMedica, your doctor will have specific instructions and guidelines that you must follow going forward. After a facelift, you need to have two weeks of downtime. Throughout your recovery, your surgeon can check in on your healing, and remove bandages and sutures. You shouldn’t go against what your doctor says as they know best.
Keep Your Head Elevated
As a facelift is a plastic surgery procedure, you should expect swelling in the immediate aftermath. Thankfully, there are measures that you can take to keep the swelling down to a minimum. When going to sleep, you should keep your head elevated at least 30 degrees. Doing so will prevent any fluid buildup. If you have a recliner chair, this can work very well, but you can use pillows as well to keep you propped up. Swelling normally reaches its peak between two and three days after the operation.
Drink Plenty of Water
We all know how vital drinking water is for keeping hydrated but, when recovering from facelift surgery, it’s more important than ever. Water is essential for keeping your skin healthy and happy. Your surgeon may advise you to drink eight cups of water or more during recovery. If you struggle to drink plain water, try putting a slice of lemon or lime in your drink for added taste. You should also have a water bottle nearby which will serve as a constant reminder to keep hydrated.
Rest, Rest, and Rest
Many of us are always on the go and, after undergoing a facelift, you may struggle to take it easy. To ensure a smooth recovery, you need to listen to your doctor and factor in plenty of rest. Any strenuous activity can increase blood flow and cause negative effects. You should avoid exercising until two weeks after your surgery. Try and see your recovery period as a chance to get some much-needed rest for yourself.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Your surgeon will have likely given you a list of pre-op medications that should be stopped a couple of days before your facelift. Blood thinners especially must be avoided before surgery. It’s advised that you avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery as alcohol can increase your chances of swelling and bruising, while smoking can delay the healing process. Now may be the opportunity to give up smoking for good, which is sure to have invaluable benefits for your mental and physical wellbeing.
While facelifts are the most effective way of reducing sagging and eradicating deep wrinkles, you need to factor in plenty of time to rest and relax during the healing process to yield the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a speedy and successful facelift recovery is possible by following these five incredible tips. Firstly, it is crucial to diligently follow your doctor’s orders, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following any specific post-operative care instructions.
Keeping your head elevated, especially during sleep, helps minimize swelling and promote healing. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water aids in flushing out toxins and supports overall healing. Rest is paramount in allowing your body to recover, so prioritize adequate sleep and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
Lastly, avoiding alcohol and smoking is essential as they can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications. By incorporating these tips into your post-facelift routine, you can optimize your recovery time and achieve the best possible results. Remember, each person’s recovery may vary, so it’s important to consult with your surgeon for personalized guidance throughout the healing process.
