How to Take Care of Your Skin Post-Facelift

Sagging skin and wrinkles are inevitable signs of aging, but they can make you look and feel older than you really are. That’s why many people turn to cosmetic procedures like facelift surgery. If you’re considering a facelift, follow these recommendations to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.

What to Expect from Your Facelift Surgery

Dr. Prysi is nationally recognized for his innovative endoscopic composite facelift. This technique combines an endoscopic mid-facelift with a vertical neck lift for added lift with natural-looking results. Instead of pulling the skin back (as done with traditional facelift surgery), the skin and underlying tissues are pulled up to restore the natural youthful contours of the patient’s face. The neck is also treated with an endoscopic facelift for seamless rejuvenation on the lower third of the face.

During the procedure, a few small incisions are made behind the hairline and ears. An endoscope (small camera attached to a rod) is inserted through an incision so that Dr. Prysi can carefully monitor his progress as he works. The deep facial muscles are positioned, fatty tissues are removed, and excess skin is removed to improve sagging skin and wrinkles on both the mid-face and forehead. Next, additional incisions around the ears are made to reposition loose skin on the neck.

How to Maintain Your Results

The endoscopic facelift is an invasive surgical procedure and requires a couple of weeks of recovery, but the results are worth it. On average patients look at least 10 years younger and the results last for up to 10 years. To help maintain your results and ensure a smooth recovery, the following factors should be considered after a facelift:

1. Cleansing and Moisturizing

Facial cleansing is important to prevent bacteria buildup and minimize the risk of infection. Your face will be sore so make sure to wash your face gently and don’t press too hard, especially on the incisions. Using a gentle cleanser is the best choice.

2. Minimizing Swelling

Moderate swelling and bruising are expected after the facelift procedure and will peak a few days after surgery. Keep your head elevated while sleeping or resting and apply cold compresses throughout the day (15 minutes at a time) to minimize swelling and ease your discomfort. It is also necessary to avoid strenuous activity, including bending and heavy lifting, for about six weeks.

3. Wearing Makeup

Makeup should not be worn immediately after surgery since it can irritate your healing skin and potentially infect the incision sites. Since you’ll be recovering at your house for 1-2 weeks, it’s easy to skip the makeup. After one week, light makeup can be worn to conceal bruising and help you feel like yourself. Yellow concealers can hide bruising while green concealer will minimize redness.

4. Avoiding Sun Exposure

The sun is one of the main causes of premature aging. After surgery, it can also have an inflammatory effect that will worsen swelling and potentially darken the skin around your incisions. This is a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will aid in the recovery process and help you maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come.

5. Staying Hydrated

Hydration is necessary for skin health, especially after surgery. When your body is hydrated, vitamins that aid in the healing process can be more easily transported to the skin. Water also flushes toxins from the body and will give your skin elasticity and a glowing complexion. Drink at least six glasses of water every day or alternate with fluids that are high in vitamins and minerals.

6. Facial Treatments

Once you are fully healed and the swelling has subsided, medspa treatments are a great way to maintain the results of cosmetic surgery. Chemical peels, facials, and injectables can be used to prevent wrinkles, smooth rough skin, and stimulate collagen production for lasting youthfulness.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering a facelift in Naples, FL, we encourage you to schedule a facelift consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Prysi. As one of the leading plastic surgeons in facial rejuvenation surgery, he can help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results customized to your unique needs and cosmetic goals.