Deciding to have a facelift in Toronto is a big decision, and individuals often have high expectations. They have attempted to reduce aging using various beauty products or non-invasive treatment options in anticipation of turning back or stopping time.
While these options may help, facelifts are the only option that can tighten the skin. Furthermore, you must follow specific skincare rules outlined by your surgeon to optimize your results.
Tips to Maintaining the Results of a Facelift
After your facelift, your facelift surgeon in Toronto will provide instructions regarding skin care. You must follow the instructions to ensure you properly heal, receive long-lasting results, and decrease your risk of complications. Recovery time requires diligence, patience, and good skincare practice.
1. Keep the head elevated
For the first couple of weeks after your facelift in Toronto, your head should remain slightly elevated while sleeping to help minimize swelling. We advise patients to use 2–3 pillows to elevate their head, and consider using a travel pillow for support while they sleep. Also recommended, refraining from strenuous exercise and physical activity for the first few weeks as it can increase swelling and bleeding.
2. Get plenty of rest
Poor sleep generates cortisol (the stress hormone) spikes. Cortisol has a significant role in inflammation, weight gain, and swelling. Stress reduction will benefit you throughout your life and assist you in dealing better with life’s challenges. For healthy skin, maintaining adequate sleep is essential.
3. Maintain proper hydration
Consuming the proper amount of water (8 glasses daily) and incorporating a healthy diet promotes healing and skin health. Hydration maintains moisturized and supple skin. Choose a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and antioxidant-rich food that support skin rejuvenation.
4. Avoid smoking
Tobacco use makes the lungs work harder to provide oxygen to your blood. It also deprives the skin of essential nutrients. Smoking produces skin discolouration and uneven skin tone. Furthermore, the toxins in tobacco decrease collagen production, which robs the skin of elasticity.
Vaping is not a better alternative. While the body isn’t receiving the full damaging effects of tar and smoke inhalation, long-term data is unavailable to support the product’s safety. We recommend our deep facelift or mini facelift clients in Toronto to refrain from smoking and vaping both before and after their procedure so they can reap the full benefits.
5. Protect your skin from the sun all year round
Sun exposure can circumvent the healing process, negatively impacting your results. To prevent harmful sun exposure, apply sunscreens regularly with SPF ratings of 30 or higher all year-round, wear wide-brimmed hats or sunglasses to protect your face, and avoid direct sunlight. Avoiding excessive sun exposure is especially vital during peak hours.
Furthermore, you should apply sun protection during overcast days. Even on cloudy days, UV rays still reach your skin. Minimizing such exposure does help. Failing to provide adequate protection for the first few months following the procedure can result in:
- Skin inflammation
- Increases in bleeding and swelling
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dark incision scars
UV rays deplete collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Collagen breakdowns cause premature aging and can reduce the results of a facelift. We also advise deep plane facelift or mini facelift patients in Toronto to stay in the shade as much as possible when outdoors for weeks following their procedure.
6. Follow a proper cleansing ritual
Cleansing your skin should remain a priority as it prevents dullness, clogged pores, and acne. It is best to select non-irritating mild cleansers designed for post-surgical care. Avoid fragrances, exfoliants, or harsh ingredients because they irritate the skin.
Natural products containing healing ingredients such as vitamin e and coconut oil are great options for your skin. Gently wash your face twice daily with a soft cloth and lukewarm water.
When cleansing your skin, avoid pulling or rubbing. Instead, incorporate gentle circular motions to clean treated areas. After cleansing, air dry your skin or pat dry with a clean towel.
The second aspect is applying recommended ointments and creams. These creams help facilitate proper healing. Ensure you carefully follow all instructions regarding how and when to use them. These products effectively reduce redness, soothe the skin, and promote healing.
The third consideration is applying moisturizers regularly. After surgery, your skin may feel tight and dry. Moisturizers help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and replenish hydration.
Medical grade skin care products containing vitamins and hyaluronic acid will complement the natural oils in the skin, will facilitate healing and help maintain the results of your facelift surgery.
Gently massage your moisturizer into the skin upwardly, promoting circulation and increasing blood flow.
7. Be mindful of your makeup
Facelift surgeons in Toronto recommend patients wait one month before using makeup. Wearing cosmetics too soon after the procedure results in:
- Interference with your healing as you can tug on the skin during its application.
- Irritation along incision areas.
- Infections if the cosmetics reach your wounds.
Additionally, some cosmetic types work better than others. After a facelift in Toronto, the skin is delicate. Therefore, it is wise to use gentle, easily removed makeup, like water-based or mineral cosmetics. Clients should avoid oil-based makeup, which may irritate their skin and be difficult to remove.
Some tips regarding makeup application include the following:
- Avoid pulling or tugging at your skin. Instead, apply makeup using gentle tapping motions or light strokes. This reduces the strain of healing the incision and eliminates damage.
- Choose cream or liquid formulas. These are easier to use after having a facelift in Toronto. They generate a smoother application and won’t settle into wrinkles or fine lines, which may be more pronounced during healing.
- Always use clean sponges or brushes. Thoroughly clean your sponges and brushes before using them on your skin. Dirty instruments introduce bacteria into your incisions, causing complications and infections.
- Gently remove makeup. When you remove your cosmetics, use gentle cleaners. Do not scrub or rub your skin. Instead, pat the skin dry using a soft towel and use post-operative skincare creams or ointments recommended by the Toronto facelift surgeon.
Contact Solomon Facial Plastic for Your Cosmetic Needs
If you are interested in booking a facelift in Toronto with one of Toronto’s best facelift surgeons or if you have any post-surgical questions, contact Solomon Facial Plastic at 416-864-6100 (Davenport Clinic) or 855-519-2799 (Thornhill Clinic). We are available Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are closed on weekends.
You can also request additional information by completing our online form.