You have finally decided to undergo a facelift, eyelid surgery, or a rhinoplasty. Face surgery is one of the most exciting aesthetic surgery procedures for which recovery is increasingly straightforward.
Thanks to the advances in this field and the continuous pursuit of ever more naturalness, real visible yet elegant and subtle rejuvenation is possible. Of course a facelift will take a few years off your face but it will also be more radiant, the lines sharper and more harmonious.
During the consultation, I will give you all the information about your procedure, the numerous benefits but also the risks. I have answered your questions with as much transparency as possible. For example, what does it involve and why must you not smoke before an aesthetic surgery procedure?
You are probably curious to know what you will look like afterwards, aren’t you? What does recovery after a facelift – or face surgery – involve and, above all, how can you ensure optimum recovery? Are there any tips?
Discover my 7 recommendations to ensure good recovery after facial surgery.
What face surgery do I perform?
I perform various face surgery procedures, all to restore harmony to the face while adapting to the morphology and personality of each patient to achieve an elegant, subtle, and very natural result.
Firstly, a facelift, whether it is a face and neck lift or more localised such as a temporal lift, redrapes the skin and repositions the muscles to treat sagging skin in men and women. This technical procedure requires a customized approach and naturally rejuvenates the entire face and neck.
An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, also treats skin ptosis around the eyes to widen, illuminate and rejuvenate the eyes without changing the charm or expressions.
I combine lipofilling (targeted injection of autologous fat from your own body) to potentiate the result of these procedures and fill the hollows of the face caused by the inevitable melting away of fat tissue with aging.
7 recommendations for optimal recovery/healing after a procedure
Recovery after a surgical procedure such as a lift is now easier than ever. The incisions are always made in places that can be easily concealed and are closed in such a way as to facilitate an optimal result with minimal bleeding, pain, and bruising.
Each step is personalised according to the individual aging model of the patient and, of course, the anatomy of your face. To ensure rapid recovery and an optimal result for your facial surgery, it is essential to carefully follow the preoperative instructions, as well as the postoperative recommendations.
Here is some general advice to put all the odds in your favour.
#1 Any questions? Consult me or my team, not the Internet
Do you have any questions? Any doubts? My team and I are here to answer any questions you may have, advise you, and reassure you if necessary.
As your surgeon, I know your medical history and all the details about your procedure so, although websites are relatively reliable, they must not replace the instructions I have given you.
Catherine and Solène, who answer your questions by telephone or email, have worked with me for many years and know the procedures perfectly, as well as the risks and post-operative follow-up.
#2 Take your medication
Some substances or products seem harmless but can nevertheless prevent healing after aesthetic facial surgery.
For example, ibuprofen (Advil), green tea, curcumin, and other anti-inflammatory substances used daily can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. Always follow the protocol drawn up for you.
#3 Do not sit around doing nothing…
Do you think you will be stuck in bed for days after your operation? Wrong! And that’s just as well!
On the contrary, I encourage my patients to get up and move around as soon as they feel capable, albeit slowly, to promote good circulation, prevent blood clots, and relieve stiffness and discomfort after the operation.
For example, walking or gently stretching your legs will more particularly help prevent thromboembolic complications such as phlebitis or pulmonary embolisms linked to prolonged bed rest.
#4 …but get enough rest!
However, take it easy! If you feel fine or you find it hard doing nothing, you may be tempted to do too much.
Even if you feel “normal“, you must remember that your body is recovering, and this for several weeks. It is a sign that all is going well but wait a few weeks before going running or back to the gym!
Look after yourself, which also means listening to your body.
#5 Drink enough water
Water helps cleanse the body and keep it in good health. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Juice, tea, coffee, and sodas don’t count.
#6 Adopt a balanced diet
A diet rich in protein (fish, chicken) and vitamins – particularly A and C – promotes rapid recovery. You can also opt for food supplements but talk to me beforehand and I can tell you if they are compatible with your recovery.
#7 Keep clear of cigarettes, alcohol, and the sun!
Surgery can be the ideal opportunity to give up smoking for good. However, if you can’t, it is strongly recommended that you stop for one month before and after your face surgery. Smoking reduces blood circulation, slows healing, and increases the risk of complications… which we don’t want!
Finally, alcohol tends to cause swelling, it thins the blood, which is not good for healing, and it can interact with prescribed drugs, which are three good reasons not to drink.
And of course, even more so after face surgery, the sun must be avoided! If you need to go out, sun cream with the highest protection factor, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are essential and this for at least a fortnight to twenty days. Bring out the star in you!
#8 Book a drainage facial
There is nothing better than lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling as quickly as possible and unclog the areas operated on and swollen. The best thing to do is plan ahead and book drainage sessions as soon as you know the date of your operation.
In any case, depending on your operation, you will be given post-operative instructions (wound care, recommendations, etc.) to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
My team and I are available if you have any questions.
Any questions? Would you like to make an appointment for a consultation with Doctor
Rajao in Paris? Contact our team; we are at your service.