NAPLES, FL
(239) 449-6489
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 with Naples’ leading plastic surgeon and facelift expert, Dr. Mark Prysi, getting long-lasting results is likely your number one priority. Our team will be here to help you learn ways to aid healing and enjoy a comfortable recovery after plastic surgery. Follow these recommendations on post-facelift care to ensure a quicker recovery, youthful skin, and the best possible results.
What to Expect from Your Facelift Procedure
Dr. Prysi is nationally recognized for his personalized care and innovative endoscopic composite facelift. This facelift surgery 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 appearance of the face and smooth visible signs of aging. The neck is also treated with an endoscopic facelift for seamless rejuvenation on the lower third of the face. He is one of the few plastic surgeons in the nation to have mastered this advanced facelift technique. Many patients come to him specifically for his advanced approach to treatment.
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 facial 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. The result is an overall refreshed appearance that recaptures your more youthful self.
How to Maintain Your Facelift 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 10 years younger and the results last for up to 10 years. Throughout the various stages of recovery, our team will be here to help. To maintain your results and ensure a smooth recovery, follow this facelift recovery guide for a successful healing process:
1. Cleansing and Moisturizing
Facial cleansing is important to prevent bacteria buildup, keep the incisions clean, and minimize the risk of infection during your facelift recovery. Your face will be sore so make sure to wash your face gently and don’t press or scrub too hard, especially on the incisions. Using a gentle cleanser is the best choice. Keep the skin hydrated with an unscented moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid for additional moisture retention. Avoid active ingredients in your skincare routine (such as retinols) until Dr. Prysi indicates otherwise.
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 reduce swelling and ease your discomfort. It is also necessary to avoid strenuous exercise, including bending and heavy lifting, for about six weeks. These can worsen swelling and bruising and negatively interfere with your facelift surgery results.
3. Avoiding Medications
Certain medications, such as pain medication and blood thinners (ibuprofen, aspirin) can negatively affect the healing process. Avoid these unless otherwise indicated by Dr. Prysi – if you take them for medical issues, he will work with your regular physician to ensure your procedure will be safe and effective. Take your prescribed recovery medication according to instructions and contact Dr. Prysi right away if you experience any significant discomfort.
4. Wearing Makeup
Makeup should not be worn immediately after surgery since it can irritate your healing skin and potentially infect the incision sites. Since your facelift recovery will take place at your house for 1-2 weeks, it’s easy to skip the makeup. After the first 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. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse your face at night to remove any traces of makeup.
5. Avoiding Sun Exposure
The sun is one of the main causes of premature aging and visible scars. After surgery, it can also have an inflammatory effect that will worsen swelling and potentially darken the skin around your incisions, resulting in visible scars. This is a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will aid in the facelift recovery process and help you maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come. It’s recommended to wear sun protection daily throughout your recovery period and beyond.
6. 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 promotes better circulation and will give your skin elasticity and a glowing complexion. Drink plenty of water every day or alternate with clear fluids high in vitamins and minerals. Avoid caffeine and alcohol during the first few weeks of facelift recovery since these can negatively impact circulation and hydration.
7. Eat Healthy
A high fiber diet with plenty of lean protein and healthy fats can improve your recovery time and promote healing. After surgery, it may be best to start with soft foods that don’t require significant chewing. Good nutrition can help you counteract the effects of anesthesia and pain medication. We recommend preparing meals ahead of your surgery date since it will be difficult to cook after returning home from surgery. Alternatively, make sure to task a close friend or family member with cooking healthy meals during your recovery.
8. Get Exercise
Avoiding high levels of activity is key to optimal healing, but getting small amounts of movement can also help. Light physical activity is key to preventing complications with circulation within the first few days of recovery. Take a light walk around the house and listen to your body for when it’s too much physical activity at once.
9. 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. Non-invasive treatments like chemical peels, facials, dermal fillers, and injectables are standard ways to prevent wrinkles, smooth rough skin, and stimulate collagen production for lasting youthfulness. A solid skincare routine is also key to anti aging – at the very least, it should include a powerful moisturizer and adequate sun protection.
Facelift in Naples, FL
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 the leading plastic surgeon in facial rejuvenation surgery in Southwest Florida, he can help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results customized to your unique needs and aesthetic goals with facelift surgery. Contact Prysi Cosmetic Surgery today for a consultation to get started on your personalized cosmetic procedure.
