Your face is a very important part of your identity. If any part of your face appears worn out, tired, or aged, this can take a toll on your confidence. Facelift surgery restores your natural appearance by addressing issues such as deep lines or creases in the corners of your mouth as well as the loss of skin elasticity.
To get the results you desire, turn to the board-certified plastic surgery experts at The Peer Group in the Greater New Jersey area. Our plastic surgeons can accommodate your individual needs and provide you with an exceptional experience as they improve the look and feel of your face. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of facelift procedures for New Jersey area men and women and how to obtain more successful results below.
Contents
- 1 Do: Protect Yourself From the Sun
- 2 Do: Prepare Yourself to Sleep Propped Up
- 3 Do: Get Some Help Post-Surgery
- 4 Do: Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
- 5 Do: Be Patient
- 6 Don’t: Over-exert Yourself
- 7 Don’t: Irritate Your Face
- 8 Don’t: Use Hair Products
- 9 Don’t: Ignore Your Plastic Surgeon’s Advice
- 10 Don’t: Take Shortcuts
Do: Protect Yourself From the Sun
Imagine going through facelift surgery in New Jersey only to have the sun damage your final results. You must protect your face from sunlight for at least several weeks as you recuperate from your facelift. If you must go outside, you should wear a scarf, a large hat, or dark sunglasses to protect the surgery sites. However, do not wear sunscreen or other products on your face immediately after the procedure to avoid irritation.
Do: Prepare Yourself to Sleep Propped Up
Patients must get plenty of sleep post-surgery so your body can rest and dedicate resources to healing the injured tissues and muscles in the face. Before your facelift procedure in New Jersey, prepare an area where you can sleep with your head elevated to prevent swelling. You can sleep in a comfortable recliner at home or simply prop up your head with pillows.
Do: Get Some Help Post-Surgery
Following your facelift surgery, have a responsible adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. They can drive you to and from your appointment, make sure you take your medications as recommended, and help you with simple tasks such as food preparation. A simple act such as bending over to pick something up can cause blood to rush to your head. Having this extra help on hand can prevent you from a lot of unnecessary discomforts.
Do: Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods when resting at home after your facelift. In general, staying hydrated keeps your skin looking young and helps to ward off deep lines and wrinkles as you age. Following the facelift procedure, soft foods such as yogurt and smoothies can help you feel comfortable by placing less strain on your mouth and jaw. Getting the nutrients your body needs is also essential in the recovery process.
Do: Be Patient
Based on your unique health needs, most patients who undergo a facelift in Greater New Jersey will need at least two to three weeks before they can return to their regular tasks at home and work. Depending on the activity, you may need more time before you are able to resume it. It is important to have realistic expectations during the healing process before you can see your end results. While you may experience some bruising or swelling, you will find that the final outcome is worth the wait.
Don’t: Over-exert Yourself
Be careful, take it easy, and avoid any vigorous exercises for at least a few days after the procedure. If you feel pain or discomfort during an activity, take a moment to stop and rest to avoid injury to the face or body. After the initial recovery, you can slowly return to your daily routine to encourage blood flow.
Don’t: Irritate Your Face
Makeup products should be avoided for at least one week to prevent irritation of the surgery sites. In fact, any products applied to your face must be approved by your plastic surgeon at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ beforehand. Heat or pressure to the face may also affect your final results, as well as engaging in any activities that submerge your face in the water, like swimming.
Don’t: Use Hair Products
Avoid washing your hair or using hair products for several days after your facelift. Soaps and shampoos are likely to aggravate the sutures, as well as a hairdryer, curling iron, hairspray, or other related hair care products. For this reason, you might want to consider having your hair professionally done a few days before the procedure to ensure your comfort.
Don’t: Ignore Your Plastic Surgeon’s Advice
Your board-certified plastic surgeon at The Peer Group may give you a list of post-op instructions, including any medications you need to take following a facelift. New Jersey patients who ignore this advice may result in injury or a longer than the expected recovery period. For example, it is important to stay away from tobacco products such as cigarettes as they restrict blood flow and prevent proper healing. You should also avoid alcohol, saunas, and steam rooms during this time.
Don’t: Take Shortcuts
You may see some dramatic results immediately following your facelift, but understand that improvement can take weeks or even months. This means you must ease back into your regular routine slowly over time. If you push yourself too hard, you risk slowing down the healing process or experiencing side effects such as redness, swelling, or irritation. Please contact your plastic surgeon immediately if you experience any severe pain, bleeding, or concerning symptoms.
At The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, we understand that any surgery takes a great deal of time, effort, and resources to improve the shape and appearance of your face. We make the process easier by providing you with the board-certified experts and state-of-the-art resources needed to be successful. Address issues such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and more by scheduling a facelift consultation at our caring New Jersey practice today.