How Do I Prolong My Facelift Results?

Posted in Facelift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation

If you’re considering facelift surgery, you likely have a lot of questions about what you can expect from the procedure. In particular, you may be wondering about the longevity of facelift results. Patients typically undergo facelift surgery to revitalize the lower third of their face, with the surgery involving the reduction of age-related concerns (e.g. lines, wrinkles, jowls, and inelastic skin). That said, while patients who undergo a professional facelift can typically see the clock turn back 8 to 10 years, having a facelift does not keep the clock from ticking. In other words, certain factors – including the natural course of aging and exposure to the sun – can cause the cosmetic issues originally addressed in facelift surgery to reappear.

Thankfully, several post-operative strategies can help keep your skin healthy and, in turn, encourage your body to retain the effects of surgery. Our Orange County plastic surgeon, Daniel C. Mills, MD, FACS, urges facelift patients to be mindful of their skin health after the surgery, and to follow these general rules:

• Protect your skin from the sun. As mentioned earlier, unprotected sun exposure can pose harm to your skin’s tone and texture. Whenever you go outdoors, be sure to wear at least a 30 SPF, as well as a sunhat or other means of protection.

• Refrain from smoking. While smoking can wreak havoc on the complexion in general, consuming nicotine during facelift recovery can be especially detrimental. Smoking can disrupt the healing process and gradually deplete the skin’s elasticity (among many other potential complications). As such, if you are a smoker, we strongly advise you to quit.

• Consider an additional treatment. It is important to note that while facelift surgery can dramatically improve the appearance, it cannot change the quality of the skin. Certain non-surgical options – such as Cutera^® laser treatments, Ultherapy^®, and HydraFacials^® – are designed to nourish the skin and encourage it to stay healthy and appear youthful. Alternatively, BOTOX^® Cosmetic or injectable fillers can help you maintain your new, rejuvenated facial aesthetic following facelift surgery.

• Adhere to a nutritious diet. What you eat is closely linked to your skin health. To keep your skin glowing and hydrated, be sure to stick to a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins (especially vitamins A, B, C, and E).

• Take very good care of your skin. Many patients develop a new skin care regimen following their facelift surgery. We offer medical-grade skin care products from top brands like ZO^® Skin Health, ALASTIN Skincare^®, and skinbetter science^® to strengthen, balance, and revitalize the complexion. Dr. Mills is also the creator of his own line of preventative skin care products, which we proudly feature at our practice, as well. Patients can schedule a skin evaluation for personalized guidance.

Incorporating the above factors into your care makes it possible to both prolong the effects of surgery and encourage long-term skin health. If you would like to learn more about facelift recovery or results, we welcome you to contact our practice today.

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