Although the results of your facelift surgery won’t last forever, they will last a lot longer than any results from non-surgical options such as a fillers or Botox. Because people age differently, lasting results will vary. However, it is possible to make the results of your facial plastic surgery last by keeping good, healthy habits in place during your facelift recovery. Small changes today can help you see long lasting results tomorrow.
Quit Smoking
While your facelift focuses on the external appearance of your facial features, how you treat yourself internally will have an impact on how long your surgical results can be sustained. Having a facelift is a great excuse to quit smoking. It’s known that smoking or using tobacco can speed up the aging process and rapidly undo the results of your surgery. The nicotine in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco disrupts blood flow. Decreased blood circulation in your skin will keep it from getting the nutrients it needs to stay supple and smooth. Smoking also attacks the collagen in the dermal layer of skin, and without anything there to hold it up, your skin is more likely to sag or droop as a result.
If you do smoke, we require you to quit at least two to four weeks before a procedure, and to remain smoke-free for at least two to four weeks afterward. This will reduce the risk of complications and will help you heal quicker.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Another way to improve your health and extend the life of your facelift is to evaluate your current diet. A healthy diet can help your results last. Try to avoid sugar as it can lead to the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can play a part in the aging of your skin. Instead, make an effort to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats.
Find A Spot In The Shade
Avoiding exposure to the sun will also help you maintain the results of your facelift. Ultraviolet light from the sun contributes to the aging process, leading to age spots or hyperpigmentation and lines and wrinkles. It’s particularly important to avoid exposure to the sun in the first few days and weeks after your facelift as your healing skin will still be very sensitive. Sunlight can also cause your incisions to become discolored and more visible. It’s time to stock up on sunscreen with and SPF of at least 30, and a great hat.
Consider Facial Fillers
Another way to maintain the results of your facelift for a longer period of time is with an injectable filler. Contrary to popular belief, facelifts do not smooth out all folds and wrinkles (such as the laugh lines). Some people elect to have Juvéderm injections at the time of surgery to safely enhance the results. Depending on the type of filler you receive, Juvéderm and other fillers will help create a fresh, balanced look. They can smooth lines or wrinkles and add volume in just the right places. Your Board Certified facial plastic surgeon can help you make the best choice.
If you would like more information about ways you can lead and maintain a healthier lifestyle prior to your surgery, please contact the helpful staff at The AWC. They are here to answer any and all questions you may have.
About Dr. Min S. Ahn
Facial Plastic Surgeon · Ahn Point Center
- Board certification
- Education and training
- Harvard University, B.A. in Biology, cum laude
- George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
- University of California, San Francisco, Head and Neck Surgery (Internship/Residency)
- Research at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Surgery
- Medical degree, George Washington University School of Medicine, with distinction
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology cum Laude, Harvard University (1985–1989)
- Degree in medicine, with Distinction, The George Washington University School of Medicine (1990–1994)
- Internship in General Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1994–1995)
- Residency in Head and Neck Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1995–1999)
- Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of California at San Francisco (1999–2000)
- Hospital affiliations
- UMASS Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA
- Memberships
- The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- The California Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- The American College of Surgeons
- The Massachusetts Medical Society
- The American Medical Association
- The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- The Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
- Awards
- Boston Magazine Top Doctor: 2022-2026
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor: 2023-2026
- NPI
- 1255326112
- Offices
- Wellesley · Westborough · Beverly Hills