Although the results of your facelift surgery won’t last forever, they will last a lot longer than any results from non-surgical options such as a fillers or Botox. Because people age differently, lasting results will vary. However, it is possible to make the results of your facial plastic surgery last by keeping good, healthy habits in place during your facelift recovery. Small changes today can help you see long lasting results tomorrow.

Quit Smoking

While your facelift focuses on the external appearance of your facial features, how you treat yourself internally will have an impact on how long your surgical results can be sustained. Having a facelift is a great excuse to quit smoking. It’s known that smoking or using tobacco can speed up the aging process and rapidly undo the results of your surgery. The nicotine in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco disrupts blood flow. Decreased blood circulation in your skin will keep it from getting the nutrients it needs to stay supple and smooth. Smoking also attacks the collagen in the dermal layer of skin, and without anything there to hold it up, your skin is more likely to sag or droop as a result.

If you do smoke, we require you to quit at least two to four weeks before a procedure, and to remain smoke-free for at least two to four weeks afterward. This will reduce the risk of complications and will help you heal quicker.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Another way to improve your health and extend the life of your facelift is to evaluate your current diet. A healthy diet can help your results last. Try to avoid sugar as it can lead to the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can play a part in the aging of your skin. Instead, make an effort to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats.

Find A Spot In The Shade

Avoiding exposure to the sun will also help you maintain the results of your facelift. Ultraviolet light from the sun contributes to the aging process, leading to age spots or hyperpigmentation and lines and wrinkles. It’s particularly important to avoid exposure to the sun in the first few days and weeks after your facelift as your healing skin will still be very sensitive. Sunlight can also cause your incisions to become discolored and more visible. It’s time to stock up on sunscreen with and SPF of at least 30, and a great hat.

Consider Facial Fillers

Another way to maintain the results of your facelift for a longer period of time is with an injectable filler. Contrary to popular belief, facelifts do not smooth out all folds and wrinkles (such as the laugh lines). Some people elect to have Juvéderm injections at the time of surgery to safely enhance the results. Depending on the type of filler you receive, Juvéderm and other fillers will help create a fresh, balanced look. They can smooth lines or wrinkles and add volume in just the right places. Your Board Certified facial plastic surgeon can help you make the best choice.

If you would like more information about ways you can lead and maintain a healthier lifestyle prior to your surgery, please contact the helpful staff at The AWC. They are here to answer any and all questions you may have.

After months of planning, you’ve finally had your facelift surgery. Of course you’re excited to see how you look, but it’s important to remember that recovery takes time. With patience, your best self will shine through. Knowing what to expect will help you get through the coming hours, weeks and months.

Day 1

When you wake up from your surgery you may feel chilly and a little nauseated. Talk to your caregivers and let them know. You may also feel a bit emotional, and your face may feel tight and tender. All of these things are normal and will pass a short time into your facelift recovery.

After a family member or friend has driven you home, you will likely still feel a little groggy. In the hours and days following your facelift, it is normal to experience some discomfort. Your surgeon can prescribe medication to help give you some relief.

Week 1

Your first post-operative appointment is usually scheduled for the day after your surgery, at which time your surgeon will remove your dressings. You may also have your hair washed at that time.

Most patients are up and about within a few days. Bruising and swelling are normal over the first week, so it’s important to know you might look “worse,” before you look better.

Week 2

Sutures will likely be removed in 6-7 days.

Most people plan to go back to work, with makeup, in two weeks. If you are planning any kind of special event (wedding, reunion, etc.) it’s best to plan for 1 to 4 months after your surgery.

Weeks 3 & 4

During the 3^rd and 4^th weeks of recovery, your incisions will start to improve, and you will begin to look and feel much better. You should be ready to get back to many of your normal activities as long as they aren’t too strenuous. At this time you will see great improvement and it will be difficult for someone else to know you’ve had the procedure.

One Month and Beyond:

While it only took about 2-4 weeks to resume most of your normal activities, it can take up to a full year for all of the residual swelling, bruising and skin sensations to subside. Your facial plastic surgeon will want to see you frequently throughout this first year to make sure you are healing properly along the way.

If you have any questions around what you can and cannot do after your facelift, please don’t hesitate to call our helpful staff at The Aesthetic Wellness Center.

You’re ready to have the plastic surgery procedure you’ve been thinking about, and now it’s time to choose the best plastic surgeon. You’ve done some research to narrow things down, but how do you find the right facial plastic surgeon for you? What should you be looking for?

1. Make sure the American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies your plastic surgeon

You can begin your search on the board’s website www.abplsurg.org. Most Board Certified plastic surgeons, like Dr. Ahn who is double Board Certified, are also member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org.

2. Understand what Board Certified means

Board Certified doctors voluntarily meet additional standards beyond basic licensing. Before a doctor can become Board Certified, they must complete: four years of pre-medical education in a college or university; course work leading to an MD degree from a qualified medical school and three to five years of full-time experience in an accredited residency training program. They must also pass a written examination created and administered by the Member Board in his or her specialty. To maintain Board Certification, a doctor must stay current with the latest advances in his or her specialty and demonstrate best practices for patient safety, communications and ethics.

3. Anticipate and expect a thorough consultation

The best plastic surgery centers will require a consultation before any procedure is performed, and encourage you to ask any and all questions you may have. Always look for a doctor who is willing to spend ample time with you prior to surgery so you feel you will be well cared for before, during and well after the surgery has been performed.

4. Do not look for a bargain

When it comes to plastic surgery, there is no such thing as a bargain. If you find a center offering too-good-to-be-true prices, they probably are. Unethical business people often run these centers. They usually hire poorly trained surgeons who are often still training.

5. Ask to see, and closely examine the surgeon’s before and after photos

A qualified plastic surgeon will be proud to show off their work. Be very wary if your surgeon does not have his or her own photos to show you.