Before having any type of cosmetic surgery, your surgeon may recommend various lifestyle changes to reduce the risks associated with the procedure and enhance the final results.
Before the Facelift
Your doctor may ask you to make some changes in your lifestyle before undergoing a facelift to reduce risks associated with this procedure, like bleeding and infection. The doctor will discuss the procedure during your consultation and ask questions about your medical history. Based on the information you provide, they recommend changes to incorporate into your lifestyle before the surgery.
Stop Smoking
If you’re a current smoker, the doctor will recommend that you stop smoking or vaping until after the surgery. Nicotine decreases blood flow and puts you at risk of complications during and after cosmetic surgery. Smoking also slows the healing process, making your recovery longer. Your doctor will ask you to stop smoking three to six weeks prior to the surgery and avoid restarting for at least three weeks after the procedure.
Adjust Medications and Supplements
When you meet with your surgeon for a consultation, they will ask for your medical history, including any medications or supplements you’re taking. The surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications until after the surgery, such as weight loss drugs, blood thinners, blood clotting medications, and blood pressure medicines. Disclose any over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications.
Eat Healthy Foods and Drink Plenty of Water
Prepare your body and your immune system for the surgery by eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water. While there aren’t any specific requirements for what and how much to eat or drink, your doctor will tell you if they have any concerns. They might recommend more foods with iron if you have a history of iron deficiency. The doctor may recommend that you avoid foods high in sodium, which can raise your blood pressure. By getting more nutrients in your system, you’ll help it fight infection and heal faster. You also want extra water to keep your skin hydrated and avoid alcohol.
After the Facelift
During your consultation, the doctor will discuss the recovery period with you. They will tell you what to expect and how much bruising and swelling can occur. The doctor will also discuss your long-term results, which include how to care for your face after the facelift. To maintain your results, the doctor may provide the following recommendations:
Continue to Eat Healthy Foods
Nutrition plays a key role in recovery and maintaining the results of your facelift. Certain foods provide nutrients that will help you during your recovery. Your food choices will affect your results. Choose foods that help prevent inflammation and keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Low-fat proteins, such as turkey and chicken, provide collagen and help with tissue repair. Protein also helps the body fight off infections.
Use Quality Skincare Products
After getting a facelift, you’ll want to avoid being out in the sun. Wearing sunscreen every day is a good idea, too. Choose gentle skincare products to maintain your new look. Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin daily promotes healing and maintains your skin’s health. Your doctor may recommend specific products, such as retinol and hyaluronic acid. They may also suggest silicone gels and sheets to assist in scar reduction.
Build Healthy Routines
After your facelift, develop healthy habits that you can maintain for the rest of your life, such as exercising regularly. Exercise enhances muscle recovery and increases the number of stem cells that go to your tissues for rebuilding. Cardiovascular exercise increases the amount of oxygen that gets into your body, which is necessary for regenerating tissue and cells.
Take Vitamins
Your doctor may recommend that you begin taking certain vitamins before surgery, but they may also suggest you continue them post-op. Vitamins A and D help reduce inflammation. They also prevent infection and enable healing. Eating foods rich in these nutrients is helpful, but you may also want to add a supplement to your daily regimen.
Choose an Experienced Surgeon for Cosmetic Surgery
The first step in having a facelift is to choose an experienced, licensed, and certified plastic surgeon who has performed numerous facelifts in the past. They will help you navigate all the necessary changes you make before the surgery and during the recovery process. Contact a reputable cosmetic surgeon today to learn more about getting a facelift.