Facelift Surgery and Lifestyle – Habits That Affect Your Results

How Your Lifestyle Habits Can Make or Break Your Outcome

As a prospective facelift patient, you may be eager to learn about the potential of this popular cosmetic procedure. But before anything else, you should know that the success of your facelift surgery extends beyond the skill of your surgeon and the techniques used. Your lifestyle habits play an important role in achieving and maintaining optimal results.

With years of experience and many successful facelift procedures, Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan is passionate about educating his patients on the importance of adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle to optimise their facelift surgery results.

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Habits That Positively Impact Facelift Results

When it comes to achieving optimal facelift surgery results, certain lifestyle habits can make a world of difference. By incorporating these positive practices into your daily routine, you’ll not only enhance the outcome of your procedure but also promote overall health and well-being.

Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential. Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide your body with the vital nutrients it needs to support the healing process and maintain healthy skin. Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats can also help to reduce inflammation and promote faster recovery.
Staying hydrated is another crucial aspect of nourishing your skin from within. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your skin supple, elastic, and better able to withstand the stress of surgery. Proper hydration also aids in flushing out toxins and promoting optimal cellular function.
Engaging in regular, moderate exercise is a habit that can benefit your facelift results. Not only does exercise help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of complications, but it also improves circulation, which is essential for the healing process. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s guidelines regarding post-operative exercise to ensure you don’t put undue stress on your healing incisions.
Getting enough quality sleep and managing stress levels are often overlooked but play a vital role in the success of your facelift surgery. Adequate sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate, while high stress levels can impede the healing process and lead to suboptimal results. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.
Establishing a consistent, personalised skincare routine can help to maintain and enhance your facelift results. Cleanse your skin gently, moisturise regularly, and protect your skin from sun damage by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Dr Michael Kernohan can recommend specific products tailored to your individual needs and help you create a skincare regimen that complements your surgical results.

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Habits That Negatively Affect Facelift Results

Just as certain lifestyle habits can positively impact your facelift results, others can have a detrimental effect on your surgical outcome. Avoiding these negative habits is important to ensuring the longevity and success of your procedure.

One of the most significant habits that can compromise your facelift results is smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reduces blood flow, and deprives your skin of essential oxygen and nutrients, all of which can impede the healing process and lead to increased scarring. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause dehydration, inflammation, and impaired wound healing. It’s essential to quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before your surgery and limit alcohol intake to promote optimal recovery.
Yo-yo dieting and rapid weight fluctuations can also have a negative impact on your facelift results. Drastic changes in weight can cause your skin to lose elasticity and create sagging, which can compromise the tightening effects of your facelift. Aim to maintain a stable, healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to ensure the best possible surgical outcome.
Excessive sun exposure and UV damage are other habits that can adversely affect your facelift results. UV rays break down collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. To protect your surgical investment, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.
Neglecting post-operative care instructions can also jeopardise your facelift results. Dr Kernohan and his team will provide you with detailed guidelines on how to care for your incisions, manage swelling and bruising, and gradually return to your normal activities. Failing to adhere to these instructions can lead to complications, delayed healing, and suboptimal results. Be diligent in following your surgeon’s advice to ensure a smooth, successful recovery.
Failing to attend follow-up appointments and maintenance treatments can negatively impact the longevity of your facelift results. Regular check-ins with your surgeon allow him to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and recommend additional treatments or procedures to maintain your youthful appearance. Skipping these appointments can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and compromise the long-term success of your facelift.

Before Your Facelift – Preparing for Optimal Results

The success of your facelift surgery begins well before you step into the operating room. Preparing your body and mind for the procedure is essential to achieving optimal results and ensuring a smooth recovery.

The first and most important step is the consultation with Dr Kernohan. During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations in detail. Dr Kernohan will assess your facial structure, skin quality, and overall health to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for facelift surgery. He will also explain the various techniques available and recommend the approach that best suits your individual needs.

During your consultation, Dr Kernohan will also assess your current lifestyle habits and identify areas for improvement. This may include discussing your diet, exercise routine, stress levels, and skincare regimen. By understanding your current habits, Dr Kernohan can provide personalised advice on how to optimise your health and skin condition in the weeks and months leading up to your surgery.

Based on this assessment, you’ll work together to develop a pre-surgery plan that addresses any necessary lifestyle changes. This may involve quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, improving your diet, or establishing a more comprehensive skincare routine. By making these positive changes in advance, you’ll be better prepared for surgery and more likely to achieve optimal results.

It’s also crucial to have realistic expectations about what facelift surgery can achieve. Dr Kernohan will discuss the limitations of the procedure and help you develop a long-term plan for maintaining your results through a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and non-surgical treatments.

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you’ll need to follow specific pre-operative instructions provided by Dr Kernohan. These may include avoiding certain medications, supplements, and herbal remedies that can increase the risk of bleeding or complications. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and assist you with daily tasks during the initial stages of your recovery.

By taking a proactive approach to preparing for your facelift surgery and working closely with Dr Michael Kernohan, you’ll be setting yourself up for success and ensuring that you achieve optimal results from your procedure.

After Your Facelift – Maintaining Your Results

After your facelift surgery, it’s essential to focus on maintaining your results through proper post-operative care and healthy lifestyle habits.

As you heal, it’s important to gradually reintroduce healthy habits into your routine. This may involve adapting your diet to include more nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods that support the healing process and promote skin health. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption will also help to keep your skin looking its best.

Gentle exercise can be gradually incorporated into your routine as your recovery progresses. Low-impact activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can help to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote overall well-being. However, it’s important to follow Dr Kernohan’s guidelines regarding when and how to resume exercise to avoid putting undue stress on your healing incisions.

Adjusting your lifestyle to support long-term results is key to maintaining the benefits of your facelift surgery. This may involve making permanent changes to your skincare routine, such as using medical-grade products recommended by Dr Kernohan, and being diligent about sun protection. Adopting stress-management techniques, prioritising quality sleep, and maintaining a stable, healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise will also contribute to the longevity of your results.

Non-surgical treatments like injectables or laser resurfacing can be used to complement your surgical results and address any new signs of ageing that may emerge over time.

FAQs about Facelift Surgery and Lifestyle Habits

How long before my facelift surgery should I quit smoking?

It’s recommended that you quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before your facelift surgery to reduce the risk of complications and promote optimal healing. Smoking constricts blood vessels, decreases blood flow, and deprives your skin of essential nutrients, which can impede the recovery process. If you need assistance quitting, consult with your primary care physician or a smoking cessation specialist.

Can I wear makeup after my facelift surgery?

It’s important to avoid wearing makeup directly on or near your incisions for at least 2-3 weeks after your facelift surgery, or until Dr Kernohan gives you the go-ahead. Applying makeup too soon can irritate your incisions, increase the risk of infection, and compromise your healing. Once you’re cleared to wear makeup, opt for gentle, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic products to minimise the risk of irritation.

How can I manage stress during my facelift recovery?

Managing stress is important for optimal healing and well-being during your facelift recovery. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga. Engage in relaxing hobbies like reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. If you find yourself struggling with stress or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support.

Will my facelift results be affected if I gain or lose weight after surgery?

Significant weight fluctuations after your facelift surgery can affect your results. Gaining or losing a substantial amount of weight can cause skin laxity and alter the contours of your face, potentially compromising the tightening effects of your facelift. To maintain your results, aim to sustain a stable, healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

How often should I have follow-up appointments with Dr Kernohan after my facelift?

The frequency of your follow-up appointments with Dr Kernohan will depend on your individual needs and the progress of your recovery. Typically, you can expect to have several check-ins within the first few weeks and months after your surgery. These appointments will become less frequent as your healing progresses. Dr Kernohan will provide you with a personalised follow-up schedule to ensure that your recovery stays on track and any concerns are addressed promptly.

Medical References for Facelift Surgery

2 days ago

Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast

Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, fully qualified in both Australia and the UK. He has had extensive training, holding qualifications in both dentistry and medicine. His training path has taken him around the world acquiring skills from some of the world’s best surgeons.

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