5 Things That Are Off-Limits After Facelift

Submitted by Dr. Joyesh Raj on Thu 05/21/2020 - 09:00

The decision to undergo facelift is never made casually. If you are pursuing the procedure, you have probably thought long and hard about the benefits and risks.

To take advantage of all the benefits facelift has to offer, you must follow your post-operative instructions very closely. Cutting corners during recovery or ignoring your surgeon’s instructions can be detrimental to your healing, results and overall well-being.

Here, talented facelift surgeon Joyesh Raj reveals five things that are off-limits after surgery.

1. Strenuous Exercise

Although you might be anxious to get back to the gym or your workout routine quickly after surgery, it is important you give your body enough time to recuperate. Expect to take four to six weeks off from strenuous exercise as you heal. Light exercise like walking or gentle stretching is encouraged as soon as you have the energy.

2. Sun Exposure

Exposing your face to the sun right after surgery is strongly discouraged, as it can increase swelling and bleeding and lead to prominent scarring. Whenever going outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face. Once your incisions have healed, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your delicate facial skin.

3. Sleeping on the Side of Your Face

Adequate sleep is critical to your recovery. But you might need to alter your sleeping position, as sleeping on the side of your face puts pressure on your healing incisions. Rather than sleeping on the side of your face, sleep with the back of your head on your pillow. You should also keep your head elevated while you sleep to minimize swelling. Some patients find it most comfortable to sleep in a recliner or with their head propped up on several pillows.

4. Smoking

Smoking impedes the healing process and can lead to poor wound healing and prominent scarring. Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for the entirety of your recovery.

5. Junk Food and Foods That Require a Lot of Chewing

Your body needs good nutrition to heal from surgery. Avoid junk foods or highly processed foods that are nutritionally devoid. Also, some patients find it uncomfortable to eat foods that require a lot of chewing or opening the mouth very wide. You might want to follow a soft foods-only diet of foods like eggs, soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes and pureed vegetables. Some patients like to get their calories from easy-to-drink shakes like Ensure.

If you have questions about the facelift recovery process, please contact Dr. Raj and his team today.