Face Lift After Care

A face lift is a great way to roll back the signs of aging. By reducing the fine lines and wrinkles that are present you can actually shave ten years off of your appearance. It is a simple procedure and there is not a lot to it. Maintenance is an important if you want your new look to last.

One of the best things about a face lift is, unlike other procedures, there really is no discomfort after the surgery. Most patients go home with little need to take any pain medication. Any discomfort that might be felt can easily be treated with the pain meds that your physician will most likely prescribe as a precaution. There will be some swelling that will go away over time. Be patient with the swelling, though, it can take months for it to fully go away.

Your physician will give you a list of instructions on how to care for your incision after the procedure. You need to make sure it stays clean and dry and report any sudden pain, swelling, or fever to your physician. Generally within a week the stitches will be removed. Because the scalp can take a little more time to heal you may need to leave the stitches in at the hairline for several more days. You'll need to be gentle when washing your hair during that time. By this time though you should begin to see the affects of the procedure as some of the swelling will be subsiding.

During the first couple of weeks of healing, you should avoid wearing makeup, doing strenuous activities and get plenty of rest. Your body needs to be able heal from the face lift, resting is the best way for your body to be able to start the healing process. During the first few weeks you should also avoid steam baths, saunas, and alcoholic beverages. For the first few months sun exposure should be limited. You'll need to wear a large brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin. Tanning beds should also be avoided during this time.

Face lifts are very easy to maintain. This type of procedure is generally a long lasting operation as long as you take care of yourself. Excess exposure to UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin and cause you to appear older. Even after the skin and healed from the surgery you should take precautions when out in the sun. Speak to your doctor before resuming wearing make-up, which can generally be done within a couple of weeks of the procedure.