Facelift surgery has experienced a resurgence of popularity in recent years. Although we now have more ways to rejuvenate the face without surgery, there is no comparing the benefits of surgical versus nonsurgical approaches to facial aging. During a facelift, Dr. Tattini repositions the muscle and tissue of the lower face and cheek area to reduce softness and sagging. The results can last 10 years or more before the ongoing aging once again begins to affect appearance. If you’re interested in achieving long-lasting results from facial rejuvenation and are considering doing so with a facelift, we want to make sure you know what NOT to do after your procedure.
Don’t Test Your Limits
Facelift surgery is performed with either a local anesthetic or general anesthesia. Both techniques can decrease nerve signals for hours. Patients may feel well enough once they return home to postpone starting their prescription pain medication. This is a no-no. The postsurgical guidelines are what they are because Dr. Tattini has years of experience treating patients and overseeing their swift recovery. Postponing pain medications is testing limits and inviting stress where it doesn’t belong.
Don’t Lose Your Focus
Let’s be honest. Most patients who have a facelift are women. Historically, it is women who have been known for putting their own needs last. A woman takes care of herself only after everyone else has been taken care of. After a facelift, the focus is healing. The focus is on taking care of self. The focus is on rest. This is a short-term pause on normal day-to-day living for long-term gains. If you’re planning a facelift, also plan to give up your role as “Doer of All Things” for a couple of weeks.
Don’t Worry about Beauty
This sounds counterintuitive, right? If you’ve just had a facelift, you’re interested in beauty. Yes. And also, expect to not feel completely beautiful during your first few days or first week or so of recovery. Expect to be swollen. Expect to possibly be bruised. Know that you will not be able to wear makeup or wash your hair for at least a couple of days. Having this knowledge ahead of time allows you to plan accordingly. Wash your hair the night before your surgery. Get your hair done before your procedure if you’re due. These are great strategies to feel as good as you can while you recover from your initial side effects of surgery.
We are proud to serve the residents of Bloomington and patients who visit from out of town. If you would like to schedule a facelift consultation with Dr. Tattini, call (309) 664-1007.