Facelift Recovery Advice

A lot of patients are very worried about the possible complications of plastic surgery. The most common of these complications are excessive swelling and pain. Swelling can last for days, weeks or even longer if the symptoms are not adequately addressed. To ensure the best outcome following plastic surgery consider the following tips.

1. Use cold compress

The immediate application of cold therapy right after surgery is one of the most effective methods to eliminate swelling. It helps by constricting the capillary vessels and slowing down of blood to the injured or operated areas. The patient also benefits by the anesthetic effect on the nerves, which helps to alleviate pain and provide a soothing and relaxing feeling. Cold therapy also helps to restore soft tissue strength, mobility and range of motion immediately after surgery. Therefore, the patient will heal quicker, have shorter length of stay and feel better sooner.

Immediately after surgery, the patient should apply cold compress constantly for a few days. The cold compress should be applied for 20 minutes on the swollen area, and then 40 minutes off, this should be repeated hourly. Make sure the cold compress is not directly in contact with the skin. Frostbite or freezeburn could damage your skin perfectly, ruining the chance of quick recovery and may cause permanent damage if you are not careful.

2. Wear a medical compression garment

Following plastic surgery (especially if you had a facelift), wearing a medical compression garment becomes vital to your recovery. A compression garment will provide support and comfort to surgical areas, flushing the body out of potentially harmful fluids, improving blood circulation, and minimizing swelling. It is important to talk to your surgeon to make sure that the garment is specifically designed for plastic surgery recovery as the garment helps the skin fit better to its new body shape with less likelihood of any skin deformities.

Wearing a non-surgical garment from your local pharmaceutical store can have a detrimental effect on your healing. These garments are not adapted for continuous wear during recovery and may cause friction on healing skin. Wearing a non-surgical garment can slow down your recovery significantly, worsen your swelling and increase your discomfort.

3. Elevate the operated area

The operated area should be elevated above the heart. For example, if you had a facelift, you should rest and sleep on your back constantly in an inclined position (approx 25-45 degree angle) for the first few days after the operation. Resting in this position improves blood circulation and decreases swelling.

You can achieve this inclince position by propping yourself above with three or four pillows, sleeping on a recliner, or buy a specialized pillows specifically designed for your surgery.

4. Avoid Hot showers

During the first few weeks of surgery, it is best to avoid showers that are moderately warm to hot as the heat can make the swelling worse. Try to avoid the water stream to shoot directly onto fragile surgical areas.

5. Eat and drink right

Salty foods and drinks can increase the overall swelling during recovery. Instead, pineapple juice (which contains Bromelain) can be effective in reducing swelling. Also eat eggs, leaf lettuce and yogurt as they are a great source of vitamin K, which also helps to reduce swelling.