Thousands of men and women get face-lifts every year as part of their desire to look as young as they feel. A face-lift is a long-lasting way to improve the contours of your cheeks and jawline, which is why it’s so popular. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, a face-lift helps your appearance match your inner youthful spirit by smoothing out lines and tightening sagging skin.
Dr. Rafael C. Cabrera of Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton is an expert plastic surgeon who routinely performs face-lift surgery for men and women in South Florida. Dr. Cabrera and his skilled surgical team customize each face-lift so you get the personalized results you desire. We want you to have a positive experience from start to finish, so we’re sharing these tips for getting the best results from your face-lift.
Once you’ve decided on getting a face-lift, you can take steps to prepare for the big day. How you prepare yourself mentally and physically can make a difference in how you feel post-surgery and how easily your recovery process goes.
When you talk to Dr. Cabrera and our surgery team about your health history, we explain which medications you should stop taking in the days leading up to your face-lift surgery. Smoking makes it harder for your body to recover after surgery, so quitting before your procedure helps make recuperation easier. We may also recommend refraining from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements that increase your risk of bleeding.
Dr. Cabrera may suggest complementary procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), a neck lift, or an eyebrow lift, to enhance your results. Adding a procedure for the upper portion of your face or your neck that conforms to your newly refined facial features can be ideal for an overall fresh look.
In addition to physically preparing your body for surgery, having realistic expectations regarding your face-lift procedure, recovery, and outcome can help you have a more positive experience overall.
Dr. Cabrera explains what you can expect so you have an understanding of the entire procedure and the results. Everyone is different, and while you may not look 30 years younger after your face-lift, you can expect to see a more youthful version of yourself, with smoother, tighter skin.
Dr. Cabrera performs face-lift surgery using a local anesthetic and oral sedation. Afterward, you can opt to stay in one of our in-house overnight recovery suites. This allows you to rest easy knowing that highly skilled nurses are monitoring your progress and are there to assist you that first night.
You may also opt for a recovery nurse to accompany you to your home the evening after surgery. We include these services as part of your face-lift procedure so you can begin the recovery process where you’re most comfortable and with the best possible care.
Expect to take a couple weeks off from your daily routine, strenuous activities, and social commitments so you have time to rest while your body heals.
It’s normal to have swelling and bruising along with pain and discomfort. As the swelling goes down, you begin to see your new, younger-looking facial contours, but it can take up to a few months until you’re completely back to feeling like yourself.
Beyond your initial recovery period, and as Dr. Cabrera advises, moisturize your face daily and protect your skin from the Florida sunshine to extend the results of your face-lift. Not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise can keep your skin and facial features looking their best for years to come.
There isn’t just one secret to getting the best results from your face-lift, but if you follow our guidelines, we’re confident you’ll be pleased with the experience and your results.
To learn how you can benefit from traditional face-lift surgery, or to explore other options, such as Dr. Cabrera’s unique procedure — The SmarterLift™ — call Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton at 561-203-6265, or request an appointment online today.
