4 Tips on How to Care for Skin After Facial Surgery and Fillers
3 Min Read
Over 120,000 facelift procedures were performed in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
For patients with sagging and deep folds along the jaws, cheeks, and eyes, a facelift procedure is one of the most effective ways to achieve a younger appearance.
But how are you supposed to maintain those results? To help with that question, we have compiled four tips on the best ways to care for skin after cosmetic treatments.
Tip 1 – Follow Postoperative Instructions
Immediately after your procedure is done, Dr. Pollack will give you a set of aftercare instructions.
It’s important to follow these postoperative instructions closely, as they often have information on caring for surgical wounds and incisions.
There may be some fluid drainage from incision sites right after a facelift, brow lift, or eyelid lift procedure, especially in the first 48 hours.
Dr. Pollack will provide bandages and special compression garments that will ensure healing goes faster. Drains may need to be emptied and cleaned.
After about a week, all bandages and drains should be removed. An elastic face garment will be given to wear for about another week.
Tip 2 – Take the Time to Rest
It typically takes between three to four weeks to recover from facial surgical procedures, including a facelift, brow lift, and eyelid lift.
Try to arrange someone to help you in advance, especially in the first few days right after surgery.
Many patients can go back to work within a week after the procedure, but strenuous activity will need to be avoided until patients are completely healed.
Take the time you need to ensure you’re not pushing yourself too hard right after surgery. Sleep with your head elevated for a couple of weeks to minimize swelling.
Skin Care After Injectable Fillers
The last few years saw a surge in the use of dermal fillers and other injectable treatments to improve the appearance.
Their versatility, convenience, and quick results make them an ideal option for patients on the go or who want to avoid more invasive procedures.
There’s little to no downtime involved with most of these treatments, which can often be completed in as little as an hour.
However, areas treated with fillers and treatments like XEOMIN® and BOTOX Cosmetic® still need some special care to make sure those results stay as amazing as the day you got it.
Tip 3 – Avoid Too Much Sun
Skin treated with injectable fillers like JUVEDERM®, Belotero Balance®, or Restylane® reaps the benefits of some of the hottest cosmetic treatments available.
It’s also extremely sensitive in those first few hours after treatments.
Recovering from fillers is minimal, but there is usually minor swelling, redness, or other skin irritation that will only get worse if exposed to too much sun.
Try to avoid too much sunlight after getting fillers, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher when going outside to ensure treated skin is properly protected. Use items like a hat to reduce exposure even more.
Tip 4 – Put It on Ice
Conversely, things on the other side of the temperature gauge are incredibly beneficial to healing skin cells after injectable treatments.
Using ice or cold compresses on injection sites is a great way to reduce swelling. It also ensures treated skin stays hydrated, cutting down on flaking or irritation.
Ice can also numb any soreness, allowing patients to gently massage the treated areas for further comfort.
Want to Learn More?
Call our La Jolla office at 858-450-9100 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pollack. You can also contact us online!