The good news is that there are several things you can do to prolong your facelift results and postpone the time when you might want to consider a second procedure. To get the most out of your facelift, here’s what you should do after surgery.
Skip the Sun
We’re not suggesting that you become a vampire and lock yourself indoors, away from the windows during daylight hours. But the sun’s UV rays are one of the main causes of skin aging, so it’s a good idea to limit your exposure to them as much as possible.
That means getting smart about when you spend time outside. Try to stay in when the sun is at its most powerful, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. It’s also a good idea to avoid actively trying to get a tan. There are sun-free ways to get a golden glow that won’t damage your skin, such as spray tanning.
When you do go outdoors, make sure you’ve put on sunscreen first. Wearing a product with an SPF of at least 30 every day is a great way to protect your delicate facial skin from the sun.
One last thing to note about sun protection: It’s for everyone, no matter what your skin color happens to be. UV rays can cause wrinkles in dark skin as well as light skin.
Check Your Diet
In other words: Do your best to banish or seriously cut back on sugar. In recent years, sugar has become public enemy number one in the diet and nutrition world. It’s easy to see why. Eating sugary foods sets off a process known as glycation. Glycation can damage the collagen in the dermis, making your skin sag and wrinkle faster than normal.
If you’re going to avoid sugar, what can you eat? Vegetables, whole grains, and fruits are a good place to start. Also try proteins, such as eggs, beans, and lean meats. Some fat is OK, especially if it’s from a healthy source of fat like olive oil or avocados.
Talk About Skincare
While changing your diet and skipping the sun are preventative ways to protect your results, upping your skincare routine is a proactive thing you can do to slow down the aging process. It can be a good idea to speak with your surgeon about the types of skincare products you can use to get the best results for your complexion.
Products that contain retinol, vitamins, and peptides can do a lot to keep wrinkles at bay and to improve the tone and texture of your skin. Along with keeping your skin hydrated and firm, they can also help with other common signs of aging, such as the appearance of dark spots.
Consider Maintenance Treatments
When you do start to see a few signs of aging, such as a few new lines or wrinkles, or some uneven tone or texture, it can be worth trying out a minimally invasive maintenance treatment to spot treat the issue. For example, injectables such as Botox or Juvederm can help to reduce the appearance of specific lines. Laser treatments can help to refresh skin, reducing the appearance of spots, enlarged pores or fine lines. Your surgeon can help you decide which treatments will best meet your needs.
Stay Smoke-Free
If you were a smoker before your facelift, you probably had to quit before the surgery. In the years after your facelift, it’s a good idea to keep away from the cigarettes and other tobacco products. Next to the sun, smoking is one of the leading causes of wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. If you decide to smoke after a facelift, you’re directly contributing to the breakdown of your results.
If you’re having trouble staying smoke-free, your surgeon can be a resource. They can direct you to smoking cessation programs and help you find a support group for when cravings hit.
Getting great facelift results starts with choosing the right plastic surgeon. Look for a surgeon who’s board-certified and who has ample experience performing facial plastic surgery. In Houston, Texas, Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly three decades of experience. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas, call 281-484-0088 today.
