Undergoing facelift surgery sounds like a daunting task as it is, but tackling facelift recovery is a whole separate beast to burden. We want to make the recovery process as smooth and painless for you as possible, so Dr. Martin decided to share some of his top tips for facelift recovery.
The RICE Method
No, the RICE method has nothing to do with the simple carbohydrate in your kitchen. RICE is a method of swelling reduction that is used by healthcare professionals all over the country. The pneumonic, RICE, helps you remember the four easy steps of rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- One of the best ways to reduce your swelling and promote healing is by taking a step back from your regular daily activities to rest. We recommend resting for a week or two before returning to work.
- Icing your face according to post-procedure instructions is crucial to reducing swelling. The ice helps to constrict blood vessels, which can also help reduce bruising after your facelift.
- While you may not necessarily do this intensely on your own, the bandages place on your incisions after your surgery take care of the compressing.
- Dr. Martin recommends keeping your head elevated at a 45-degree angle while you rest from your facelift. This helps with blood circulation, which in turn aids in reducing swelling and bruising post-surgery.
It’s important you remember to always follow these steps in conjunction with Dr. Martin’s post-operative care instructions. Icing or compressing too much can have negative effects on your facelift results and recovery. Always make sure to follow-up with Dr. Martin if you have any questions about your post-facelift care instructions.
Natural Supplements
There are many natural supplements that are proven to help reduce the amount of swelling and bruising a patient will have after surgery. Dr. Martin recommends the following natural supplements to help reduce swelling and bruising after your facelift.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural enzyme found in pineapple juice and in the stem of a pineapple. Used mostly to reduce swelling and inflammation around the center of the face, bromelain is also used to help reduce muscle soreness. You can find oral bromelain substances at your natural health food store.
Arnica
Arnica is an herb that grows mainly in central Europe and certain climates of North America. The active chemicals in arnica have been shown to reduce swelling and bruising post-surgery. Arnica can be taken orally as a supplement or applied to the skin as a topical cream and can be found at your local health food store.
If you are interested in learning more about facelift recovery, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one facelift consultation with Dr. Martin today. He’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns, answer all of your questions and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.