Plastic surgery is not solely about the procedure, it is also about caring for the area long after you have gone through that process, and this is why properly navigating your recovery and skin aftercare is such an important task.
The key to a successful recovery lies in both understanding and implementing the right skincare practices, in order to achieve and maintain the desired results.
From the best post-surgery skincare practices, to intermediate aftercare and long-term skin rejuvenation, every detail must be attended to.
No matter whether you have gone through minimal procedures such as PRP or botox, or more extensive surgeries such as a traditional facelift, there are certain practices that can help you achieve optimal results and maintain your skin’s health.
Understanding Your Skin’s Healing Process
After plastic surgery, your skin undergoes a healing process that has several stages that includes inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling.
By understanding this process, you can make the right choices as well as take the right steps to support your skin’s recovery and ensure the best possible results.
Immediate Post-Surgery Skincare Steps
Immediately after surgery, it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. They have the expertise to guide you through the process to ensure you heal properly and achieve the desired outcome. In addition, their instructions will help prevent infection or other complications.
You may be advised to gently clean the area with a mild non-irritating cleanser, or change incision dressings in a certain timeframe. In addition, they can tell you which chemicals or ointments to avoid to prevent any potential damage or cause unnecessary discomfort.
Cleansing and Moisturizing Post-Procedure
It is important to understand that while plastic surgery is a precise procedure, it still causes wounds to the skin. This means that cleansing should be done with utmost care post-surgery. Therefore, using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritating your skin is recommended.
After cleaning the area, your surgeon will most likely instruct you to apply a moisturizer designed for post-surgery care. These moisturizers often contain ingredients that aid in healing and soothe the skin.
The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition
What you put in your body can be every bit as important to the healing process as what you apply to your skin. Hydration plays a crucial role in skin recovery, which means that it is wise to drink plenty of water to help maintain skin elasticity and aid healing.
In addition, a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is also essential, as they support skin health and accelerate tissue repair.
Protecting Your Skin from the Sun
The sun can be very harsh on your skin, especially to the top epidural layers that have undergone a surgical process. Exposure to UV rays can lead to pigmentation issues and worsen scars. Making certain to implement protective practices is vital after plastic surgery and can achieve a better result, as well as speed the healing process. Covering exposed areas, always applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoiding direct sunlight when possible is critically important.
Managing Scars After Plastic Surgery
Though we look to avoid them, it is important to understand that scarring is a natural part of the healing process after plastic surgery.
However, to minimize their appearance, consider using silicone gel sheets or scar creams. Your surgeon can direct you to the topical treatments that will best achieve your goals. Remember, scar maturation takes time, so patience is key.
What Not to Do After Plastic Surgery
Sometimes it is not what you do but rather what you do not that is the most important aspect of achieving the desired results after a plastic surgery procedure. Avoiding certain activities and substances can ensure you do not interrupt the recovery process.
Refraining from smoking and alcohol, not using harsh chemicals and exfoliants, as well as not partaking in other unhealthy practices, can keep you from irritating the skin.
In addition, you should consult your surgeon about which physical activities stress the skin and should be put on hold until you have had enough time to make a full recovery.
Long-Term Skincare After Cosmetic Procedures
Even after it has been a great deal of time since your procedure, there are certain habits you should implement to maintain your skin’s health.
Choosing gentle, non-abrasive skincare products, maintaining a healthy diet, and having regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon, can help monitor your progress and address any concerns you have over the long-term.
Conclusion: Embracing Patience and Consistency
The journey to skin recovery after plastic surgery requires patience. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Applebaum recommends thoroughly covering every aspect of your aftercare program with your surgeon to ensure you are always moving forward in your healing and maintenance process. Remember, the goal is long-term skin health and aesthetics, not quick fixes.