Men and women considering a facelift often ask Dr. Kolder what they can do to maximize their results and make their recovery process as smooth as possible. While Dr. Kolder will provide you with detailed facelift preparation and recovery guidelines, keep these general facelift tips in mind to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure and avoid common facelift mistakes.
Do Have Realistic Expectations
A facelift can provide very natural-looking results that help you look and feel younger and more rejuvenated. However, like all cosmetic procedures, there are limitations to what a facelift can and cannot achieve. Consulting with Dr. Kolder will help you get a clear picture of what a facelift could be able to do for you based on your unique features and goals, as well as help you determine if you could be a good candidate for this procedure.
Do Take Enough Time Off
Taking adequate time away from work and other daily obligations is a crucial part of your facelift recovery process and will help to ensure that you heal efficiently and effectively. Dr. Kolder generally recommends planning for at least two weeks of downtime, during which you should avoid strenuous physical activity. Taking the time to rest now will help to speed up your recovery so you can get back to your normal routine more quickly and with fewer risks of complications.
Do Be Gentle with Your Skin
As you recover from your facelift, avoid using any harsh skincare or hair care products that could irritate your incisions. Dr. Kolder will provide you with detailed instructions on how to keep your skin clean after your facelift, as well as recommendations on which products and ingredients are okay to use. Before reintroducing a new skincare or hair care product into your routine, make sure you get the go-ahead from Dr. Kolder.
Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively affect your facelift results and recovery process. Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to your skin, impairing healing and increasing the risk of complications. Similarly, alcohol can cause swelling and dehydration. Thus, it’s crucial to stop smoking and avoid alcohol for at least several weeks before and after your facelift to ensure optimal healing and results.
Don’t Sunbathe
Exposure to the sun can damage your skin and negatively impact your facelift results. UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation, delay healing and increase the risk of scarring after your facelift. Dr. Kolder advises avoiding sun exposure wherever possible and always using a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you need to be outdoors.
Don’t Ignore Dr. Kolder’s Instructions
The single-best way to ensure an optimal healing process and results after your facelift is to follow Dr. Kolder’s preparation and aftercare instructions as closely as possible. While the facelift tips provided above can be used as a general guide, Dr. Kolder will provide you with individualized recommendations based on your specific needs and situation.
If you still have questions about how to prepare for your facelift, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your customized facelift plan, don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a call at 805-484-2855.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.