You have a facelift surgery scheduled in a few months to help restore a more youthful appearance. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, reduces the signs of aging by addressing sagging skin and jowls as well as deep facial folds and wrinkles.
But, what about other skin issues, such as brown spots, sun damage, fine lines, or lost facial volume? Will skin treatments before a facelift be beneficial to your overall appearance and recovery, or are you better off waiting until after your facelift procedure?
While not every surgeon will give you the same answer, there are benefits to both options.
Healthy Skin Contributes to Positive Facelift Outcomes
Good general health and healthy skin contribute to a good outcome when it comes to facelift surgery. When it comes to your skin, things like smoking, many years of overexposure to the sun, or poor dietary habits can often result in loose skin and can affect the outcome of a facelift procedure.
As you prepare for your facelift surgery, it is recommended that you do everything you can to get your body and skin in optimal shape. This includes quitting smoking, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. This can also include various treatments to treat skin concerns like sun damage.
Will Skin Treatments Make a Difference Before a Facelift?
When considering pre-facelift skin treatments, you should evaluate your facial concerns. A facelift addresses issues such as sagging skin, but not other concerns such as sun damage or fine lines. Addressing these conditions with treatments such as microneedling or chemical peels can enhance your overall facial appearance.
In addition, some plastic surgeons suggest these treatments to prep your skin for surgery. Treatments such as these help stimulate the skin’s blood supply and collagen production, which can aid in healing after your facelift procedure.
What About Skin Treatments After a Facelift?
While skin treatments before a facelift have their benefits, there is also an argument for them after you have healed from your facelift. While addressing many concerns such as sun damage and fine lines, many skin treatments also address scarring. If you have a scar from your facelift that doesn’t heal as you had hoped, there are skin treatment options to help minimize scarring.
