A facelift tops most people’s lists of ideal surgeries to rejuvenate their facial contours. However, one of the most significant concerns women and men have when planning for a facelift is taking time away from work and social activities. Though downtime is a reality with a facelift, rest assured it shouldn’t disrupt your life for more than a couple of weeks.
When getting any plastic surgery procedure, your goal should be to preserve your appearance as much as possible – not to look like someone else or achieve unrealistic results. When you trust a board-certified plastic surgeon to do your operation, you can show off your beautiful smile in no time.
Here are some helpful facelift recovery tips to help you prepare for your downtime.
Expect to Look Worse Before Looking Better
Don’t be alarmed by significant facial swelling and bruising. These effects are typical after a facelift, but gradually diminish as you heal. After your surgery, we’ll send you home with dressings covering your face. These will protect your incisions and compress your surgical site to minimize swelling.
Keeping your head elevated during sleep and relaxation will also help with swelling and inflammation. You can use extra pillows or look for specialized pillows designed to lift your head and ensure your incisions are above your chest.
Normal Smiling Should Return After Two Weeks
Though most patients can usually smile as usual after one or two weeks, it takes others as many as six weeks. The full facelift impact will take a bit longer, from six months to a year. However, your natural smile should return in short order.
Lip and mouth asymmetries after a facelift should resolve with time. Facelift surgery often weakens the mandibular nerve, but the risk of permanent injury is low. Dr. Mussat will discuss these concerns with you during your consultation.
Plan on Taking Two Weeks Away From Work
Most facelift patients take two weeks off work after surgery. However, this timeframe may vary due to your job responsibilities and healing process. Some patients return to their routine sooner than two weeks, and others take a few days more. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to get clearance from Dr. Mussat before returning to work.
Resume Normal Activities After Two Weeks
Approximately two weeks after your surgery, you should feel well enough to resume your normal activities, including professional and social obligations. Still, avoid brisk exercise and contact sports that could cause facial trauma. Talk to Dr. Mussat before taking your workout routine up a notch.
Optimal Outcome May Take Six Months or Longer
You will see gradual anti-aging improvements over the weeks and months after your facelift. While you should be able to go out in public and show off the rejuvenated version of yourself at the two-week mark, know that it can take up to six months before you realize your full facelift benefits.
Learn more about facelift surgery with Chicago’s leading female plastic surgeon! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
While “having work done” was once something people only talked about in whispers, today, more of us are being open about the facial flaws we’ve resolved with anti-aging procedures. As techniques improve and patients proudly present their results to the world, you may be wondering whether a surgical or non-surgical lift can help you meet your goals.
Altering any aspect of your appearance is a highly personal decision, and one you should never take lightly. If your self-esteem is suffering due to facial wrinkles and volume loss, read on to learn the differences between surgical and non-surgical facelifts and which may be better to help you achieve your desired outcome.
What Is a Surgical Facelift?
Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift tightens soft tissue to rejuvenate facial beauty. It addresses common skin flaws in the lower two-thirds of your face, including sagging cheeks, loose skin on the neck, and fine lines. Though you may associate facelift surgery with an outdated “wind-tunnel” look, Dr. Mussat’s advanced techniques and extensive experience ensure your results will be subtle and appear natural.
Aging affects more than the skin. It also impacts underlying facial tissues that may sag due to the combined effects of gravity and volume loss. Before removing excess skin, Dr. Mussat will reposition these tissues to restore your youthful contours, creating a refreshed and radiant facial appearance.
Then, she will address areas like the cheeks, jawline, and neck, helping you say goodbye to folds, lines, jowls, and the appearance of a double chin.
Your recovery period should last at least two weeks to allow enough time for you to heal. And, as with all surgical procedures, there are associated risks like infection and excess bleeding, though these are rare.
Non-Surgical Facelift
For people who are not yet ready to commit to facelift surgery and the required recovery time, Dr. Mussat also offers non-surgical solutions to address sagging skin and lost facial volume. These include Botox, dermal fillers, and the minimally invasive Silhouette Instalift.
Botox
Botox is a neuromodulator that addresses dynamic wrinkles and lines on the forehead, brow, and around the eyes. It temporarily halts muscle movement to address horizontal lines on the forehead and between the brows. It is also an excellent treatment for crow’s feet.
Botox is a safe, convenient treatment you can get on your lunch break. The results last up to four months, with minimal risks and side effects.
Dermal Fillers
Dr. Mussat employs dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm to correct folds and wrinkles that affect the midface below the eyes. These new-generation fillers use a naturally occurring molecule called hyaluronic acid to restore underlying volume and tighten the skin.
These fillers typically last for six months or more and, like Botox, are convenient and safe.
InstaLift
If you deal with volume loss or sagging skin that makes you look older than you think you should, you may want to consider InstaLift. It is a minimally invasive correction for men and women who look to refresh their facial appearance without incisions or general anesthesia.
The InstaLift technique relies on fine biodegradable sutures positioned deep into the skin layers. These advanced threads elevate sagging skin tissue for a more youthful midface, much like a surgical facelift. The outcome lasts about 18 months and is safe and painless. As your body absorbs these sutures, new collagen growth will result.
Love Your Looks at Any Age
If you would like to learn more about our surgical facelift for permanent results or non-surgical corrections without the risk or recovery associated with an operation, schedule a consultation today by contacting us or calling (312) 751-9000.
A facelift procedure is a remarkable way to defy several signs of aging through a single approach. But the process also calls for postoperative care to deliver a youthful appearance without any complications.
These facelift recovery tips ensure your procedure not only returns the required results, but also lets you maintain them for a long time to come. In turn, you can maximize your facelift surgery in Chicago, Illinois.
To help you get started, here are seven tips for caring for your skin after a facelift procedure.
Get Ample Rest
Your skin and body need ample time and energy to heal from a facelift surgery, which you can attain by getting at least seven to nine hours of high-quality sleep per night and refraining from strenuous activities. Even after the initial healing process concludes, adequate rest ensures your skin can retain its rejuvenated appearance. Make it a point to get plenty of sleep and find time to relax every day for beautifully supple skin.
Keep It Moisturized
After a facelift, you’ll typically have your bandages removed 24 hours later. Then, the cleansing and moisturizing process comes into the picture. Following these facelift recovery tips gives your skin the cleanliness and hydration it needs to heal properly. It also reduces scarring and unsightly folds on your skin. In the long term, moisturizing regularly can help you maintain your healthy glow.
Stay Hydrated at All Times
Sufficient hydration is vital to help your skin breathe and feel alive throughout a regular day. It is equally crucial for postoperative care after a facelift surgery. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you can cater to this requirement without any issues. You can also follow this tip long after your surgery to help your skin remain clear, supple, and fresh.
Follow the Recommended Diet
Right after you get a facelift, you’ll follow a balanced diet, as suggested by Dr. Mussat. This diet is high in protein and nutrients, which gives you the energy and support your skin needs to heal correctly. Afterward, you should continue eating healthy, whole foods that are rich in antioxidants and other anti-aging nutrients to maintain your youthful appearance.
Keep Track of Physical Activity
As we mentioned in step 1, one of the fundamental facelift recovery tips is all about resting and giving yourself ample time to heal. But it goes beyond getting sufficient sleep every day. Instead, you’ll need to avoid strenuous physical activities for at least two weeks after your surgery. When you resume regular activities and light exercise, keep an eye on side effects such as pain or swelling to ensure your skin keeps looking younger and smoother for a long time.
Use Elevated Pillows
After a facelift procedure, you also need to be mindful of how you sleep. Keep your head elevated with at least two pillows to ensure your skin is not subject to undue pressure or stretching overnight. Dr. Mussat may advise following this practice for at least a few days after your surgery, but consult with her see what’s right for your needs.
Keep in Touch With Your Plastic Surgeon
While you are following these facelift recovery tips, it is imperative to stay in touch with Dr. Mussat. From attending postoperative appointments to reporting side effects, maintaining contact provides you with ample benefits that let you look after your skin ideally.
To learn more about postoperative care for a facelift, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat. Contact our office by calling (312) 751-9000 today, and we will be glad to help you take care of your skin for a long-lasting healthy appearance.
With the demands of social media now expanding to include video conference calls for work, there is increasing pressure on us to stay looking younger for longer.
As a result, more and more men and women of all ages are turning to cosmetic surgery for help. And, thanks to its ability to dramatically transform a patient’s appearance with long-lasting results, the most effective and exciting anti-aging procedure growing in popularity is the facelift.
With a cosmetic procedure as significant as facelift surgery, it is only natural for patients to wonder how best to maintain their results for as long as possible before needing to consider a touch-up. Fortunately, with her extensive experience, renowned board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in downtown Chicago, Dr. Florence Mussat has the training and experience to help her patients achieve and preserve their results for years to come.
Now that you are considering getting a facelift, you’ve probably started wondering how to improve its longevity and maintain your results. While there’s no simple answer as to how long your facelift will last, taking care of your skin after your facelift will go a long way towards how long you’ll able to maintain those same stunning results.
Regardless of the specific facelift procedure recommended by Dr. Mussat, whether it be a mini or full facelift, here are several tips and anti-aging strategies that will help ensure that your facelift results last as long as possible.
Give Yourself Time To Recover
The recovery process is one of the most challenging parts of facelift surgery. You might find it difficult to disconnect and step back from your regular activities for the time recommended after surgery.
It’s never easy to take more than just a few days off work and to get help some help at home, but a good recovery sets the foundation for good results. You’ll be back doing the activities you love before you know it!
Wear Sunscreen
Sun exposure is a leading cause of signs of aging. Ultraviolet radiation causes DNA changes in the skin that can lead to premature aging, known as photoaging, and the formation of precancerous cells.
To avoid wrinkling, fine lines, and sagging skin, it’s vital that you apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher early and often every day and wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever you go outdoors. In addition, being sun-smart is an excellent approach after surgery and will help your skin look its best all the time.
Focus On Good Nutrition
A healthy diet, complete with bright fruits and vegetables, dark greens, complex carbs, and carefully sourced protein, can help your skin stay and look younger by keeping it well-nourished.
Eliminating the wrong foods from your diet is just as important as eating the right foods. Sugar, for instance, may accelerate skin aging because high-glycemic foods contribute to aging by increasing the breakdown of collagen fibers in a process known as glycation.
Stay Hydrated
Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated are two essential practices for preserving healthy, firm, glowing skin. For a truly skin-friendly diet, you’ll also need to make sure you drink enough water. Well-hydrated skin stays firmer, smoother, and younger.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking slows the healing process and can be disastrous for your facelift results. Not only will it delay the healing and cause irreparable damage, but nicotine also dries your skin out, making it age more rapidly and shortens the lifespan of your facelift.
Exercise Regularly
You might not think exercise is a factor in maintaining beautiful facelift results, but you’ll be healthier and look better in general if you make exercising a habit. Physical activity not only helps you to keep off excess weight, but it’s also essential for cardiovascular health and even your mental well-being.
Adopt a Serious Skincare Regimen
Taking good care of your skin after your facelift will help you maintain a refreshed, youthful look for longer. It’s best to discuss the skin care products you use with Dr. Mussat to see if you should adjust anything in the future.
Having a healthy skincare regimen is important at any age, and even more, as we get older. Taking proper daily care of your skin can help slow down the effects of aging. Here are the steps that should be included in your regular facial skin care routine.
- Cleanse: It’s always a good practice at the end of the day to remove any makeup and get rid of dirt, grime, and environmental pollutants that could be clogging your pores and making your skin unhealthy. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t dry out or irritate your skin.
- Exfoliate: Regular gentle exfoliation helps to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells that adhere to the surface of your face, making your skin look rough or dull.
- Moisturize: Weather and other environmental factors can leave your skin looking and feeling dried out. Using a good moisturizer compatible with your skin type should always be a part of your skincare routine.
Consider Non-Surgical Boosters
Dr. Mussat will happily tell you about non-surgical medical treatments that can prolong the results of your facelift.
Fillers and other skin treatments can help maintain your facial volume and skin elasticity, keeping your results looking great for longer. Keep in mind that while a facelift turns back the clock on your appearance, aging still continues after surgery.
Get the Best Facelift Results in Chicago With Dr. Florence Mussat
For stunning facelift results that make you look youthful, vibrant, attractive, and that last for years, look no further than board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat in downtown Chicago.
Schedule a private consultation to discover more about your facelift surgery. Contact our office by calling (312) 751-9000 today.
Your eyes, forehead, and eyebrows play a significant role in expressing your emotions to those around you. A heavy forehead or eyebrows is likely to make you appear more tired, unhappy, or older than you actually are. Well-meaning friends may even comment that you look tired, sad, or ask if you’re feeling down when you’re really feeling just fine.
Due to family genetics, environmental factors such as too much sun, or simply the passage of time, the forehead and eye area are likely to develop wrinkles and sagging skin resulting in an aging, tired, or sad appearance. You might find yourself becoming curious about facial rejuvenation and wonder whether you would benefit from a surgical procedure known as a brow lift.
What Is a Brow Lift?
Through brow lift surgery, Dr. Florence Mussat has helped many men and women achieve a more youthful and natural-looking brow area that helps present the face they wish to share with the world. A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure that improves the upper face’s appearance by effectively lifting the eyebrows and smoothing out wrinkles.
How Can I Benefit from a Brow Lift?
As a result of a brow lift, your forehead will be smoother, and your eyebrows will be more lifted and natural-looking. Brow lift surgery often eliminates upper face wrinkles and can correct the upper eyelid hooding caused by sagging brows. It can also significantly reduce creases, frown lines, and a sagging brow line.
A brow lift offers many benefits, including:
- Minimizes creases, frown lines, and sagging brow lines across the forehead.
- Improves frown lines and reduces vertical creases between the eyebrows.
- Repositions low or sagging brows over the upper eyelids.
- Raises the eyebrows to a more youthful position.
- Creates a brighter, more alert appearance
- Increases self-confidence
Can a Brow Lift Be Combined With Other Facial Cosmetic Procedures?
A brow lift can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or even injectables to produce even more stunning results. Dr. Florence Mussat will help you decide on the best combination for you during your scheduled consultation.
What Can I Expect During Recovery?
During your recovery from a brow lift, expect some swelling and discomfort in the upper part of the face and around the eyebrows.
Dr. Mussat will provide instructions for your recovery as well as cold compresses to apply to your forehead. She will also suggest that you sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights after surgery and to expect your recovery to take about 2-3 weeks.
To make your recovery even more comfortable, avoid strenuous workouts or movements that might place unnecessary pressure on your face.
Your Next Step Towards a Youthful Profile Starts Here!
For a complete assessment of how a brow lift can help you look younger and more vibrant, schedule a personal consultation with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat in Chicago, IL, or call (312) 751-9000 today!
