Don't Speed Up Your Healing Too Much After Surgery—Try These 4 Tips Instead
Posted on: 30 September 2016
If you're about to go in for a facelift, you know that recovery time and speed are important. Unless it's the dead of winter and you can wear a full-face ski mask, you can't really hide your face. So, having your face heal enough so that you can go out is crucial. However, you might want to be wary of so-called advice for speeding up healing. The best way to heal quickly from facelift surgery may be to not try to rush it. You're better off taking recovery in a steady, relaxed manner so that you don't have any setbacks.
Chill in More Ways than One
Taking it easy for a few days after your surgery is crucial. You don't want to overexert yourself and cause swelling or straining. These are days when you should just read, watch TV, and do other light activities. Relaxing will also help your body conserve energy, which it can use to help heal any surgery incisions.
You should also avoid heat if you can help it. Cold packs, air conditioning, lukewarm water in the shower, and even eating cooler foods can help avoid problems with swelling. Avoiding heat also requires staying away from computers that get too hot, too, because that heat can often end up in your face if you have a tendency to sit too close to the screen.
Sleep Well & Upright
Elevating your head is important as well, again to reduce the chances of swelling. Blood and other fluids can settle in your upper body and head while you lie on a level surface; the blood still circulates, but it might not move away from your head as effectively as it would if your head were elevated.
Don't Take Shortcuts
Follow your post-op instructions as closely as you can. Don't try to take shortcuts in an effort to force your face to heal. Your body is going to take the time it needs, and if you place too much stress on it or don't give it the support it needs, it will just take more time to heal.
Eat Healthy but Soft Foods
Speaking of supporting your body, remember to eat a healthy diet when you're recovering. You might be eating a healthy diet anyway, but it takes on more importance when you're trying to heal from a surgery. You should also stick to softer foods during this time; while you don't have to follow a liquid diet unless your doctor advises it, you should eat foods that you don't have to forcefully chew. Chew them slowly and thoroughly, too.
If you have other post-op recovery questions, talk to services like Newport Center for Special Surgery as you're making final arrangements for the surgery. If you are having the surgery done in phases as part of an affordable-payment program, ask your surgeon about how closely together the surgeries should be scheduled to ensure complete healing.
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