How Can I Take Care of My Facelift Scars at Home?
3 Minute Read:
Many people are hesitant to undergo facelift surgery out of fear of noticeable scarring. There is hardly anything appealing about the look and feel of scar tissue after your facelift surgery.
While scarring is inevitable with many facelifts, a skilled plastic surgeon will take extra care to place incisions in inconspicuous locations and help ensure the scars fade quickly.
The visibility of your scars will depend on how well you take care of incisions post-surgery.
Following your facelift surgery with Dr. Calabria, you will be provided with post-operative instructions to help care for your incisions at home and reduce the chance of scarring or other complications. It is extremely important that you follow all recommendations as this is the best way to maximize the aesthetic outcome of your scars.
Scar Management at Home
There are things you can do at home to promote your post-surgical healing process and minimize the appearance of scars.
Keep the Area Moisturized
Ensure your skin is not drying out by using approved over-the-counter lotions or topical agents that keep your skin moisturized for proper healing.
Gently Massage the Area
It is common for patients to experience some itching as the incisions begin to heal. Always resist the urge to scratch and instead massage the area gently with clean hands using vitamin E, coconut oil, or anything else that your surgeon recommends.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Direct exposure to sunlight can negatively impact your facelift recovery and even darken scars permanently. So, make sure you wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen whenever you go outside until your scars are barely visible.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking increases the risk for scars and slows healing. If you want smoother, less visible scars, the habit has to stop for at least a couple of weeks before and after surgery.
Avoid Putting Stress on the Incisions
Patients are advised to take it easy and set aside several weeks to heal after facelift surgery. Starting to exercise too soon or lifting heavy stuff can reopen the incisions and lead to poor scarring. To minimize this risk, work with your doctor to know when it is safe to engage in strenuous activities.
Stay Hydrated
You will need to hydrate for the best chance of achieving minimal scarring. Not drinking enough water or consuming high levels of alcohol can affect your wound healing process and increase scar risk.
Finally, be patient with your healing process. The appearance of fresh scars may make you uneasy at first, but it will look better in time.
Are You Preparing for Facelift Surgery?
If you are seriously concerned about your facelift scarring, a facelift scar revision surgery can help you look and feel better about your appearance.
Qualified and skilled plastic surgeons like Dr. Renato Calabria have many techniques up their sleeves to discreetly make incisions in natural folds to ensure minimal scarring. Contact us today at 310-777-0069 or fill our online form to schedule a consultation and learn more.