The road to a rejuvenated appearance is not always an easy one. While some patients may only need minor fine-tuning to their appearance with non-invasive cosmetic procedures, others may require a surgical approach to achieve a look that reflects their youthful personality. When that is the case, a facelift may be the solution.
A facelift is an excellent procedure for facial skin that has become lax and begun to sag. There are several types of facelift techniques which will help to address loose skin and excess fat deposits in the lower face and neck. Once performed, the results can produce a younger-looking appearance for the next ten or so years. The average man or woman who undergoes a facelift looks approximately 7 years younger after surgery.
Following a facelift, some discomfort should be expected. Most patients take advantage of the initial days following surgery to rest and re-energize. There will be restrictions on what type of activities you can and cannot do during the first days and week following surgery.
Don’ts
You should avoid washing your hair for a couple of days following surgery. If you wash your hair faithfully everyday, your scalp and hair will probably thank you for allowing it time to restore the natural oils. Talcum powder can be used to help manage overly oily hair.
Do not apply makeup for about one week after surgery. Doing so can lead to discoloration of the healing incision sites. The actual pressure and motion of putting on makeup can also irritate the face and impact your skin’s recovery. Avoid makeup use as much as possible. If you are resting at home there is no need to apply it.
Avoid all strenuous activities until swelling has settled. Vigorous exercise should be postponed until four to six weeks following your facelift surgery.
The nicotine found in tobacco is detrimental to the health of your skin since it restricts blood flow. Surgeons will advise you to cease smoking prior to surgery. It is also crucial to avoid the habit during the recovery period for the best, long-lasting results.
Hematomas can be caused by heavy lifting. Do not lift anything over five to ten pounds during the first two weeks. If you have small children it is helpful to have another adult present to assist you while you heal.
Do’s
When the appropriate time for wearing makeup does come, purchase new products to limit the risk of infection. This includes makeup application tools.
If you don’t have one already, develop a suitable skin care routine, including cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Dr Williams staff can advise you on the best products for your skin type.
Practice vigilant sun protection. Incisions are not protected by clothing as with body surgery and must be given careful consideration. Use sunscreen with SPF 15-40 for at least the first year, even on overcast or cold days.
Do return to your normal daily activities when you are comfortable doing so. For most people this is within the first two weeks. Walking after plastic surgery is encouraged to avoid blood clots.
The road to a rejuvenated appearance is not always an easy one. While some patients may only need minor fine-tuning to their appearance with non-invasive cosmetic procedures, others may require a surgical approach to achieve a look that reflects their youthful personality. When that is the case, a facelift may be the solution.
A facelift is an excellent procedure for facial skin that has become lax and begun to sag. There are several types of facelift techniques which will help to address loose skin and excess fat deposits in the lower face and neck. Once performed, the results can produce a younger-looking appearance for the next ten or so years. The average man or woman who undergoes a facelift looks approximately 7 years younger after surgery.
Following a facelift, some discomfort should be expected. Most patients take advantage of the initial days following surgery to rest and re-energize. There will be restrictions on what type of activities you can and cannot do during the first days and week following surgery.
Don’ts
You should avoid washing your hair for a couple of days following surgery. If you wash your hair faithfully everyday, your scalp and hair will probably thank you for allowing it time to restore the natural oils. Talcum powder can be used to help manage overly oily hair.
Do not apply makeup for about one week after surgery. Doing so can lead to discoloration of the healing incision sites. The actual pressure and motion of putting on makeup can also irritate the face and impact your skin’s recovery. Avoid makeup use as much as possible. If you are resting at home there is no need to apply it.
Avoid all strenuous activities until swelling has settled. Vigorous exercise should be postponed until four to six weeks following your facelift surgery.
The nicotine found in tobacco is detrimental to the health of your skin since it restricts blood flow. Surgeons will advise you to cease smoking prior to surgery. It is also crucial to avoid the habit during the recovery period for the best, long-lasting results.
Hematomas can be caused by heavy lifting. Do not lift anything over five to ten pounds during the first two weeks. If you have small children it is helpful to have another adult present to assist you while you heal.
Do’s
When the appropriate time for wearing makeup does come, purchase new products to limit the risk of infection. This includes makeup application tools.
If you don’t have one already, develop a suitable skin care routine, including cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Dr Williams staff can advise you on the best products for your skin type.
Practice vigilant sun protection. Incisions are not protected by clothing as with body surgery and must be given careful consideration. Use sunscreen with SPF 15-40 for at least the first year, even on overcast or cold days.
Do return to your normal daily activities when you are comfortable doing so. For most people this is within the first two weeks. Walking after plastic surgery is encouraged to avoid blood clots.
For more information on facelift and other plastic surgery procedures, contact the Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists at (800) 742-2797. The Williams Center has locations in Latham, NY, near Albany, as well as Manhattan.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.