Dr. Gregory Dumanian regularly fields questions about how to maintain the results of facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck and other plastic surgery procedures. With the right personal care and lifestyle habits, the results should last for many years. Here are some tips from Dr. Dumanian to maintain the life of plastic surgery results.
Avoid Sun Damage
It’s wise for everyone to be careful in the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a protective hat. This is particularly important for individuals who have undergone plastic surgery, as sun exposure can cause the incision scars to become more pronounced. If you’ve had surgery recently, protect your incision scars by staying out of the sun and covering the area with clothing or sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a detrimental habit for many reasons. For plastic surgery patients, it can impede the healing process by flooding the body with toxic chemicals, restricting the blood of oxygen that it needs to support the body’s healing mechanisms and constricting the blood vessels so they have a hard time delivering blood to the healing tissues. Keep in mind that smoking also contributes to visible signs of aging — chiefly sallow skin and wrinkles. Try a smoking cessation aid like gum or the patch, or speak to a doctor about other options.
Stay Active
Staying active is crucial to looking and feeling youthful. Liposuction, tummy tuck and other body sculpting patients need to be especially careful to maintain their weight, lest the pockets of excess fat return. Dramatic weight fluctuation (including pregnancies) can have a negative effect on the results of plastic surgery.
Pamper the Skin
Certain products may extend the lifespan of the results of facial plastic surgery (e.g., facelift). Select medical-grade skin-care products with active ingredients that improve the appearance of the skin. Dr. Dumanian and our team would be happy to provide recommendations or a personalized skin care plan to protect and prolong facelift results.
Follow All of Dr. Dumanian’s Instructions
To ensure the best and longest-lasting results, patients need to closely follow all of Dr. Dumanian’s instructions about:
- taking medications/supplements
- wearing supportive garments
- keeping the surgical wound clean
- massaging the treated area (if necessary)
Dr. Dumanian will also advise when it is safe to return to exercise, sports and other physical activities. Pushing the body too soon may cause a complication that affects the long-term outcome of the procedure.
Explore Repeat or Touch-Up Treatments
Plastic surgery won’t stop the effects of gravity or the aging process altogether. It may be necessary to undergo a touch-up or repeat treatment to maintain the beautiful results of surgery. Dr. Dumanian can provide more information at the time of the consultation.
Dr. Dumanian offers a wide range of plastic surgery options for the face, body and breasts. To learn more about any of the available procedures, please contact Dr. Dumanian by calling our office at 312-695-6022 or sending us an email today.