5 Ways to Help Extend Your Facelift Results
One of the most common questions men and women have concerning their facelift is how long can they expect their results to last. In truth, most people can enjoy their new, smooth, more youthful appearance for ten or more years before a touch-up may be necessary. But there are a few things that you can do to help extend those results even longer.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Not only can the sun’s UV rays potentially lead to harmful skin diseases and even melanoma, but they can also significantly accelerate the aging process. Sun damage can lead to collagen and elastin degradation, two key proteins responsible for giving your skin its smooth, even texture (Biopolymers).
Your facelift results may be prolonged if you avoid excessive sun exposure when possible, especially during the midday hours between 12 and 2. When you are outside, make sure to generously apply a good quality SPF 15 (or above) sunscreen to your face to help keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays.
2. Use Effective Skin Care Products
Maintaining a skin care routine utilizing professional-grade products can help to keep your face looking and feeling smooth and rejuvenated for years to come. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer daily, and talk with your dermatologist about any specific skin care concerns you might have.
3. Eat Healthy
Just as making healthy food choices can fuel your body and keep it running strong, getting enough of the right nutrients can help to maintain excellent skin health and therefore prolong your facelift results. Foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, leafy green veggies, and sweet potatoes can nourish your skin for a glowing, healthy complexion, while also helping to defend against future photoaging (ISRN Dermatology).
4. Don’t Smoke
Many Americans are now very aware of the general health risks of smoking, but the negative effects that the habit can have on the skin are often overlooked. Like UV radiation, smoking can accelerate the aging process. In fact, one study involving 79 sets of identical twins–with one twin who had been smoking at least five years longer than the other–found that smoking can make you look years older than you actually are (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Smoking decreases oxygen levels in the skin and leads to skin dehydration, which can cause premature lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and even the appearance of blood vessels. But the good news is that it’s never too late to quit smoking in order to reap the skin (and health) benefits associated with kicking the habit.
5. Minimize Stress
Taking some time out of your day to relax and de-stress may help to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Our bodies respond to stress by triggering inflammation, which can lead to a whole host of skin care concerns, including acne, dermatitis, and exacerbated psoriasis and rosacea (American Academy of Dermatology).
The Bottom Line
While a facelift can yield very long-lasting results, the aging process is, unfortunately, unavoidable. It is, however, able to be slowed and managed, and following these five simple skin care tips can help to stave off future lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin that could get in the way of your rejuvenated new look.
If you’re considering getting a facelift to help reverse these common signs of aging, the place to start is searching out the right plastic surgeon with whom to work. When choosing a plastic surgeon, be sure to inquire about board-certification, experience performing facelift procedures, and before and after photos of previous results they’ve achieved.
At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil, named one of Pittsburgh’s top plastic surgeons, has years of extensive training and experience. During your initial consultation, Dr. Heil would be happy to address any questions you may have about your facelift procedure, as well as design a custom-tailored surgical plan to meet your unique needs and goals.
To schedule your consultation, please contact us at 724-264-3608 and take the next step toward loving your new, more youthful-looking appearance for years to come.
