How to Heal Quicker After a Facelift

A face lift is a cosmetic procedure that tightens loose skin from the neck and face, giving you a more youthful and fresh appearance. Although every patient reacts differently to surgical procedures, and healing time varies widely, there are things you can do to heal quicker after a face lift. Healing after your cosmetic procedure depends upon your age, general state of health, and if you have an infection. Healing quickly after a face lift will have you back, enjoying your life sooner.

Things You'll Need

• Smoking cessation program
• Pain medications
• Extra pillows
• Nutritional supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  See your plastic surgeon. Keep your follow-up visits with your doctor and never remove your bandages before you see him. If you remove your bandages prior to your first post-operative office visit, you risk bleeding and infection which will increase healing time.

• 2

  Stop smoking. If you smoke, ask your doctor to recommend a smoking cessation program, prior to your face lift. Smoking impairs circulation and delays healing. You will heal quicker after a face lift if you quit, or dramatically cut down on smoking. In addition to avoiding cigarettes, avoid cigars, chewing tobacco, and nicotine gum or patches. Also, avoid second hand smoke because this type of exposure to nicotine and chemicals also delays wound healing.

• 3

  Take your pain medication. Your face lift will cause discomfort, which can be relieved with pain medications. Only take analgesics that are approved by your doctor, because certain types of medications, such as aspirin can cause bleeding.

• 4

  Sleep on extra pillows. Using extra pillows to prop yourself up can reduce facial swelling because lying flat allows fluids to pool into your facial structures.

• 5

  Eat healthy. A healthy diet that is rich is fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals will help you heal quicker from your face lift. Proper nutrition that includes lean protein encourages wound healing, as do foods that contain Vitamin C. Ask your doctor to recommend a healthy eating plan, or if you do not have an appetite, he can recommend nutritional supplements to boost your nutrition.