Ask Dr. Elliott: How Can I Maintain the Results of My Facelift?

For many patients, plastic surgery is a great way to “turn back the clock” on aging—procedures like a facelift can make a patient look years younger by restoring a youthful firmness to lax facial skin. However, these procedures don’t stop the aging process. In other words, a 50-year-old patient who feels their facelift makes them look 40 will not look 40 forever. But understandably, patients who love their facelift results want to slow their natural aging so that they retain their renewed appearance for years to come. Below are a few tips that can help you minimize aging and maintain your facelift results for a longer period of time.

• Protect your skin from the sun. It’s well-known that sun damage can cause skin cancer, but it can also accelerate aging. To protect your skin, wear broad spectrum sunscreen (with an SPF of 30 or higher) every day on any skin that isn’t covered by clothing, regardless of whether the weather is sunny or whether you plan to spend time outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also effective in slowing facial aging.
• Consider non-surgical treatments. While we can take steps to slow the aging process, some visible change is inevitable. Many patients find that receiving occasional rejuvenation treatments helps them to periodically counteract facial aging. Laser skin resurfacing can be a great option, as it addresses several signs of aging at once and can also minimize the appearance of scarring.
• Quit smoking. Many visible signs of aging are caused by a loss of collagen—the protein that gives our skin firmness and elasticity. As we age, our body naturally procedures more collagen, which causes the skin to become more lax and more susceptible to the effects of gravity. Smoking further breaks down the collagen in your face, and the repetitive movements involved in frequent smoking can lead to additional creases in the face, so quitting can cut out two causes of premature aging.
• Make a habit of healthy daily skin care. Dryness and irritation can accelerate aging, so the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face twice per day with a gentle cleanser and applying moisturizer daily. To get as much benefit from your skincare routine as possible, avoid scrubbing to minimize irritation and use a moisturizer that also includes sunscreen.
• Eat a healthy diet. Nutrition essentially affects every part of our anatomy, and the skin is no exception. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is best, and you should also avoid taking in too much sugar or other refined carbohydrates, as well as too much alcohol. A healthy diet can also help you avoid the need for other surgical procedures like liposuction.

Finally, it’s also important to have the right procedure from the start. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I place a high priority on listening to my patients’ aesthetic goals and needs in order to recommend the facial rejuvenation option that will give them the best possible results. There are many surgical ways to minimize signs of aging, but a brow lift won’t be as beneficial for a patient who is unhappy with an aging jawline, for instance. To discuss the best option to address your signs of aging and restore your youthful appearance, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, to learn more about plastic surgery and minimizing signs of aging, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.