How to Reduce Scarring After a Facelift

Facelift refers to a procedure in which layers of skin are tightened and reshaped to create a more youthful and sometimes more attractive appearance. How is a facelift performed? A facelift involves the removal of excess fat, skin, and underlying tissue to increase facial contours. Then, the surgeon lifts and repositions the remaining skin and tissue. If you have had facelift surgery and wish to reduce the amount of scarring, here are essential tips that will help.

Choose an Experienced, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

A facelift is a procedure that involves cutting, so you want to seek out a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and has experience with this particular procedure. In addition to experience, look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who will work within the scope of their license. It is also important to have the doctor explain to you the facelift procedure.

Stop Smoking, Vaping and Using Tobacco

If you have had a facelift, the normal vascularity for your age is gone. Most people choose to tamp down on their tobacco use after a facelift. For some, it is easier to stop smoking than for others. The effect of continued smoking after a facelift is that the nicotine can adversely affect the healing process and result in increased bleeding, poor scars, and in some instances result in skin loss.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is essential if you undergo physical or cosmetic surgery. Water helps the body heal itself, so make sure you drink lots while recovering from your facelift. Increased water intake helps flush your system, helping it retain fluid while reducing the swelling. The water also helps reduce cases of constipation caused by medications hence allowing for the efficient working of the digestive system for increased comfort.

Eating a Healthy, Nutritious Diet

Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that maintain healthy cells and prevent premature cell death, which happens when someone has had a facelift. Eating foods rich in antioxidants will help prevent scarring after a facelift. Consuming fresh, organic produce and limiting consumption of processed foods, like canned fruit and confectionery, are also good ideas to help reduce scarring.

Apply Sunscreen to Avoid Sun Exposure

The scars from a facelift procedure may cause a person to tan easily, so wearing sunscreen will help prevent skin pigmentation and help reduce the possibility of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Avoid UV rays for about two to three weeks after a facelift as the incisions will be healing, and you risk discoloration or even scarring from the sun.

Wear a Compression Garment

Keeping away from putting pressure on your face for two to three weeks after a facelift is crucial to reducing the possibility of premature skin graft loss. Make sure you purchase a compression garment designed for your particular procedure. You may need to wear it for up to six months if there has been excessive skin and tissue removal during surgery.

Use a High Quality Facial Moisturizer

Keeping your skin hydrated is very important in reducing the amount of scarring after a facelift. It would be best to use a high-quality facial moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and supple. The moisturizer can help massage the affected areas hence promoting maturation and softening of the areas. It is vital to use the moisturizer after cleaning the skin to avoid bacteria and any other infections.

Consider Laser Treatment to Reduce Scars

Laser treatment is becoming more popular in treating facial scars after a facelift. While it may not eliminate the scars, it can help to minimize them. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is less painful and causes less scarring. It also helps in improving the texture of your skin as you heal.

Consider Natural Skin Care Products

Some people use natural skincare products such as aloe vera gel after a facelift because they are nature’s anti-inflammatory treatments. They help reduce scarring by improving blood circulation, making collagen better at holding water, and eliminating toxins from the body.

Take Time to Relax

Remember, no matter what you do to reduce scarring after a facelift, you want to take the time to get back into the swing of things. And take it easy for about six months before you begin any strenuous sports or exercise program again. Sleeping also helps promote healing and recovery as the body cells are naturally regenerated to help in healing and recuperation.

Ask for Future Appointments When You Are Done

You want to make sure that the plastic surgeon takes the time to assess your face and how your skin has healed during your recovery so that next time, they can focus on what may not be healing well. Facial scarring after a facelift makes people look older than they are, so treating a person soon after surgery will help ensure better results.

Follow your Recovery Guidelines Closely

Your recovery guidelines are essential in reducing scarring after a facelift. Developing infections and problems with sutures are common when proper procedure is not followed. So, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.

Keep Stress at Bay

Stress puts the body into a fight-or-flight mode, which may trigger an overproduction of cortisol. Too much cortisol can cause your body to store fat in places other than where you want it, resulting in extra skin and excessive scarring after a facelift. To reduce stress levels and prevent scarring from developing, you should practice yoga or deep breathing exercises.

Use a Tropical Scar-Minimizing Treatment

Tropical scar-minimizing treatments are natural treatments, usually done in a bath or facial steam room, that help to moisturize and smooth the skin after a facelift. They are prevalent in South America because they do not require the use of any drugs or dangerous chemicals.

Also Read: Top 15 Natural Skincare Products from Top Organic Brands

Use Beauty Products Designed to Minimize Wrinkles

Wearing makeup is one of the best ways to give yourself specific looks that make you look younger than you wish. But there are also options if you want to minimize your wrinkles by taking anti-aging products.

There are many ways to minimize the appearance of scars after a facelift. Most, if not all, of those ways, are mentioned above. Some of the best plastic surgery procedures can be found here; so take the time to research these procedures and see which ones may be right for you.