How Do You Maintain the Results from a Facelift?

Want to get the most out of a facelift? Chicago’s Iteld Plastic Surgery explains that what you do in years after your surgery can affect the results from the procedure.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld says, “A facelift is a transformative cosmetic procedure that can effectively turn back the clock on facial aging, providing a rejuvenated and youthful appearance. The surgery involves lifting certain portions of the face, improving sagging areas, and creating a more youthful appearance. We can’t prevent the effects of aging altogether, but a facelift can take years off your appearance. However, the longevity of the results largely depends on how well you take care of your skin and follow recovery guidelines.”

You shouldn’t assume there’s nothing else you’ll need to do after a facelift. Taking care of yourself will help keep your facelift looking its best throughout the years. Here's a basic guide on the best ways to preserve the results from a facelift for the long term.

1. Follow Surgery Guidelines

After you have a facelift, your surgeon will provide specific instructions for recovery and aftercare, such as guidelines for wound care, managing swelling, and avoiding certain activities. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for proper healing and optimal results. This might involve avoiding strenuous exercises, refraining from smoking, and using recommended skincare products.

2. Make Sun Protection Your Priority

Since unprotective sun exposure is one of the leading causes of damage to your skin, protection against UV rays is crucial for maintaining the results of a facelift. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature aging, including the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins that help you maintain youthful skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy or colder days. Wearing protective clothing and sunglasses can provide additional protection.

3. Establish a Skincare Routine

Investing in a proper daily skincare routine can significantly contribute to maintaining the results of your facelift. Choose the right types of topical skin products for your skin type and concerns. Use gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and other medical-grade products containing ingredients like retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production, reduce fine lines, and keep your skin hydrated.

4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet

It’s important to nourish your skin from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall skin health and elasticity. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can provide the necessary nutrients for skin repair and rejuvenation.

5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake

Smoking speeds up the aging process and can compromise blood circulation, affecting the healing process after surgery. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin and negatively impact its appearance.

6. Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress can contribute to premature aging and affect the quality of your skin. Practicing stress reduction techniques can help you maintain a youthful complexion.

7. Consider Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures

While a facelift provides dramatic and long-lasting results, incorporating nonsurgical treatments—such as skin resurfacing treatments, non-ablative procedures, and neuromodulators—can help extend and enhance those results. BOTOX®, Daxxify, and other neuromodulators can temporarily relax the muscles that contribute to dynamic wrinkles, helping you maintain smoother skin. Although a facelift improves the contours of the face, it won’t improve the skin’s tone and texture. You might also want to consider nonsurgical approaches such as laser and light treatments, microneedling, Morpheus8 — an RF microneedling treatment — and chemical peels to enhance your skin. These treatments improve the tone of your skin while reducing wrinkles and discoloration and promoting collagen production. Radiofrequency microneedling treatments such as Morpheus8 can provide firmer, tighter skin.

8. Maintain Weight Stability

Fluctuations in weight can impact the longevity of your facelift results. Aim to maintain a stable weight to avoid unnecessary stress on the facial tissues, which could lead to sagging or stretching.

9. Communicate with Your Surgeon

Continued communication with your surgeon is also essential. Regular follow-up appointments allow them to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide guidance on how to preserve the best results.

Want more advice on the best ways to maintain the results from a facelift? Chicago-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld at Iteld Plastic Surgery can tell you more and answer any questions you may have about this procedure. Call 312.757.4505 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.