Much of the success of your facial rejuvenation procedure depends on diligent aftercare in the days and weeks following your procedure. Our team at Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Laser Centre will make sure that you go home with a set of comprehensive follow-up instructions after your procedure. We are also available around the clock to answer questions and provide helpful suggestions.
Here are some basic skincare guidelines to adhere to after your procedure.
Hydrate Properly
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to stay properly hydrated. Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to flush toxins from your body and help you heal faster. (Also, if you’re taking pain medications, drinking water can relieve constipation associated with painkillers).
You can supplement the water by eating fruits and veggies that are water-based (e.g., watermelon, berries, grapes, tomatoes, lettuce).
Keep your face moisturized with products that won’t irritate your healing skin. Ask our team to suggest the most effective products.
Incision Care
If you’ve had facelift, eyelift or rhinoplasty surgery, you will need to be attentive to your incisions as they heal. This prevents complications and decreases the risk of scarring. Be diligent about keeping the area clean and covered with an antibiotic ointment. Our team will have further instructions for caring for your incisions. Make sure you follow these instructions to the letter and contact us if you have any questions or confusion.
Sun Protection
It is essential that you do not expose your skin to the sun for approximately two weeks after your procedure to prevent hyperpigmentation and other undesirable side effects.
Using sunscreen is a basic part of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreens with a higher SPF (sun protection factor) will create a greater barrier on the skin, and products that claim they are “broad spectrum” will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
In addition to wearing sunscreen, there are other things you can do to protect yourself from the sun, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses, or sitting under an umbrella or a sun shade if you know you’re going to be outside. You should also consider avoiding the sun during peak hours (usually around noon).
Make-up
If you’ve had a minimally invasive treatment like Botox or filler injections, you can start wearing makeup immediately after treatment. However, if you have incisions or open wounds from facelift surgery or a deep chemical peel, you need to avoid wearing makeup until the top layer of your skin has healed.
When our team does clear you to start using make-up again, you may want to try mineral make-up products, which are gentler on the skin, or a green-based concealer to cancel out any residual redness or purple bruising. Our skincare team can provide more helpful suggestions if you need them.
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about how to pamper and nourish your skin after a facial rejuvenation procedure, please contact our practice today.