If you recently went through a facelift surgery, congratulations on your new youthful look! Now that you’ve taken the plunge, you are probably wondering how to enhance the results. With the significant investment of time and energy that go into a facelift, it’s only natural to want to preserve your new look for as long as possible. Although the plastic procedure does not stop the aging process, there are a few things you can do to enhance your facelift and even prolong the results. Let’s get into the strategies: 

1. Limit sun exposure 

Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is one of the major causes of early signs of aging. After a facelift, your skin is very sensitive since it’s still in the recovery phase. Exposing your face to the sun without sunscreen can diminish the results of the procedure and may even lead to complications. We recommend you stay out of the sun for a minimum of two weeks so your skin can heal. 

While it’s not realistic to stay out of the sun completely, you can limit sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. If you plan to swim or sweat a lot, you must reapply the sunscreen every two hours. Also, consider wearing a scarf or hat alongside dark sunglasses to protect your eyes. 

2. Quit smoking 

You were advised to stop smoking before the procedure as a safety precaution but if you want to enhance your facelift results, consider quitting. Smoking doesn’t just make it hard for your body to transport oxygen to healing tissues; it also causes your body to be filled with toxic chemicals, which may complicate your results. 

Packed with more than 4,000 chemicals, cigarettes can speed up aging and reverse your new look as they destroy collagen and elastin in the body. Quit smoking for good and avoid second-hand smoke to maintain your results for a long time. 

3. Live a healthy lifestyle 

A healthy lifestyle contributes to enhancing your facelift results. There are different changes you can make to improve your lifestyle, and one of them is eating a healthy diet. Avoid processed foods as they are often loaded with saturated fats and sugars. Instead, opt for a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. 

Also, it’s important to get at least 8 hours of sleep so your skin and the rest of your body can heal properly. Don’t forget to stay hydrated too. Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help preserve your firm, refreshed, and glowing skin.

4. Switch to medical-grade skincare 

Now that you’ve gotten a facelift, it’s time to take your skincare regimen to the next level. Medical-grade skin care refers to the use of scientifically-proven products that have high concentrations of ingredients that can be applied to the skin. These products are recommended by dermatologists and skin care specialists for a wide array of skin types and skin issues.

To enhance your facelift results, here are some medical-grade products you should invest in:

  • Hyaluronic acid for skin hydration 
  • Collagen for skin elasticity and firmness
  • Retinol for rapid skin exfoliation 
  • Niacinamides for skin brightening effects 
  • Vitamin C for skin brightening and combating free radicals 

5. Get touch-up treatments

A facelift procedure can turn back the clock by reversing the signs of aging so you can achieve a youthful appearance again. However, since the effects of the surgery are not permanent, it’s important to explore other means that can help enhance your facelift results. One of them is botox and fillers. These injectables can help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

Another non-surgical treatment to try is chemical peels. They also help to improve the appearance or feel of your skin, thanks to the combination of different ingredients. You can speak with us about other options that can help prolong and enhance your facelift results. 

Need help getting started? 

Facelift surgery is an effective way to take years off your looks. However, it’s not a permanent treatment, so it is important to do all you can to preserve and enhance the results for as long as possible. By following the tips above, you can extend the results for years.  If you’re interested in undergoing your first facelift procedure, now’s the time to start! Reach out to Dr. Stallworth to schedule a consultation today.