A facelift is a surgical procedure for women and men ready to take the plunge to rejuvenate their facial appearance and enjoy long-lasting benefits. And trusting Dr. Eric Pugash with this restorative procedure can help you correct the visible signs of an aging face like sagging skin and tissue, wrinkles and lines, and unsightly folds.
The operation eliminates excess facial skin and fat, tightens the underlying tissues, and drapes the skin tautly to create a rejuvenated appearance.
To achieve optimal results, patients must care for their skin properly. Before you leave the surgery center, Dr. Pugash will ensure you have the necessary instructions to care for your surgical wounds. Here are a few items on that list.
Keep the Incision Sites Dry for 24 Hours
Keep your incisions dry for twenty-four hours after surgery. Refrain from showering or bathing on the first day, though a sponge bath is fine.
Once you get the all-clear to bathe or shower, it’s better to shower than soak in a tub because water immersion can soften incision wounds, causing them to open.
Don’t put soap or bath products directly onto your incisions during your recovery. Instead, use a clean towel to pat the area dry after showering.
Cleanse and Moisturize
Your skin will likely feel tender in early facelift recovery, with some discomfort and tenderness around the incisions. However, this doesn’t mean you should discontinue washing your face. Bacteria can build up quickly on unwashed skin, potentially causing infections.
Avoid alcohol, skin cleansers, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or peroxide. These products damage the tissue inside the wound, slowing the healing process. Also, refrain from lotions, creams, or herbal products unless Dr. Pugash gives you the okay.
He will instruct on washing your wound and rinsing with soapy or salt water. Next, pat the wound with a clean cloth or gauze pad. Lastly, apply a facial moisturizer liberally to keep your skin supple and moist and avoid possible scarring.
Minimize Bruising and Swelling
Your face goes through considerable trauma during facelift surgery, and bruising and swelling typically get worse before healing recovery is complete.
Keep your head elevated above your nipple to minimize inflammation. Prop your face up on pillows while sleeping or relaxing. Avoid over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and herbal supplements because they thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Wearing Makeup After Surgery
While you might feel you need to conceal the bruises, you shouldn’t rush to put on makeup just yet. Instead, give your surgical incisions a week before applying makeup, then make sure you remove it thoroughly before bed.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays is critical after facelift surgery. During recovery, exposing your incisions to dangerous UV rays can slow down the healing process and darken your scars.
While it’s vital to receive vitamin D daily, excess sun exposure is dangerous. Apply an SPF 30+ sunblock liberally every day before going outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your skin and incisions from harmful rays outdoors.
Learn More
Learn more about how a facelift can miraculously take a decade or more off your facial appearance, restoring taut, soft skin while eliminating wrinkles, lines, and folds.
We invite you to schedule a private facelift consultation with Dr. Pugash.