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Facelifts can reverse years of aging, but to get the best results, you need a solid patient–surgeon partnership. It’s not just about finding a skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon. It’s also crucial that you commit to the recovery process.
Your surgeon will fully brief you on what you need to do during recovery, but generally, by embracing these tips, you’re likely to have a more successful facelift experience.
1. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is key. Take time to research the different approaches and techniques available that will address your concerns best. This will help during the consultation process to have a better understanding when discussing treatment plans with your surgeon.
2. Choose the Right Surgeon
Beautiful results start with your plastic surgeon. When choosing the right surgeon for you, look for these three key factors:
- Board Certification: Find a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Experience: It can take 20 years for a plastic surgeon to master their art. Experience matters and shows the level of commitment to themselves and patient results.
- Relationships: Building a rapport with your surgeon sets the stage for the level of care you’ll receive. We understand it’s a matter of “blind trust” but feeling confident in your choice takes your experience from mediocre to exceptional.
- Board Certification: Find a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
3. Communicate Your Goals
Clear communication prevents unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings. Every face is unique—so the results will be too. When you express your goals, your surgeon can customize a treatment plan that enhances your natural features while also addressing your areas of concern. This shared understanding usually translates into a greater satisfaction with your results.
4. Prime Your Body
Preparing your body for a facelift is a proactive step you can take to enhance your results. By preparing both internally and externally you minimize risks, optimize healing and maximize results. Here’s how to prepare:
- Discontinue the use of tobacco products.
- Maintain a balanced, high-protein diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol two weeks prior to surgery.
- Review medications that have any contradictions to surgery (i.e. herbal supplements and blood thinners).
- Review pre-operative instructions.
5. Prepare Your Post-Procedure Environment
Preparing your home environment is just as critical as preparing your body. Recovery can be challenging but by creating a calming space, enhanced for your comfort, you will speed up recovery and reduce stress. This allows you to focus on rest—which is crucial to the healing process.
Here are some tips:
- Prepare a comfortable resting area that allows for elevation.
- Stock up on recovery essentials.
- Have medications readily available.
- Enlist help.
- Food prep meals rich in vitamins and protein.
6. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your procedure’s success depends heavily on how closely you follow your surgeon’s instructions. These guidelines are set in place to ensure a smooth recovery process and it’s crucial that they’re followed.
7. Focus on Incision Care
This step is critical to ensure optimal healing and minimally visible scars. Proper incision care reduces the risk of complications and preserves the natural results your surgeon worked so hard to achieve.
- Keep incisions clean and dry.
- Apply any necessary ointments or dressings.
- Avoid touching or picking at the incisions.
- Protect your incisions from sun exposure.
- Avoid overexertion.
8. Adopt a Skin Care Regimen
A skin care regimen is necessary at all ages—but it can play a vital role in maintaining facelift results by slowing down the aging process. Consider investing in medical-grade skincare that is tailored to you and your specific skincare goals.
9. Attend All Follow-up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress and ensure there are no complications. At these appointments, we can track your progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments.
10. Trust the Process
The journey to your final facelift results is a gradual process. Week by week, changes occur but it’s important to remember that the reveal of your final results can take several months or up to one year. As always, consult with your surgeon over any concerns but also remind yourself: patience is key.
Maximize Your Facelift Results
If you’re considering a facelift, keep in mind that you’ll have to participate in the recovery process for the best results. You can always ask your surgeon if you have questions, and make sure you get all the information you need upfront, before deciding to get the procedure.
Our plastic surgeons work closely with you to achieve your cosmetic goals and produce natural-looking results. From the initial consultation to the final post-op appointment, we provide guidance, support, and expertise to make you feel comfortable and at ease. To book a consultation for your facelift, contact us to start your transformation today.
