While aging is unavoidable, reversing some of its telltale signs is possible with a facelift in Baton Rouge, LA. Facial rejuvenation treatments can help restore your physical appearance and self-confidence. As the gold standard among facial rejuvenation treatments, facelifts can help you look younger, healthier, and more vibrant.
You deserve to look and feel your best. With expert plastic surgeons like Dr. Robyn Daugherty, a facelift can deliver dramatic facial rejuvenation with natural-looking results.
What Is Facelift Surgery?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve and correct the visible signs of aging in the mid- and lower face and neck. Rather than changing your fundamental appearance, a facelift enhances areas that are vulnerable to aging by making targeted improvements to the lower two-thirds of your face. Your Baton Rouge facelift will help you look like you, only younger.
Nothing can stop the natural aging process, but a facelift is the best way to turn back the clock and remove at least a decade from your appearance.
Facelifts tighten loose skin and the underlying structures and tissues to restore the face As Dr. Daugherty customizes each facelift approach to uniquely address the concerns of each patient, a Baton Rouge facelift can treat:
- Sagging skin in the neck, jawline, or mid-face
- Jowls and pre-jowls
- Double chin
- Creased skin in the neck
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Volume loss
Following a Baton Rouge facelift, patients experience:
- Visibly younger-looking skin
- Sleek facial contours
- Tightened skin
- Long-lasting results
You can combine your facelift with other procedures to achieve full facial rejuvenation, including:
What Is the Fastest Way to Recover From a Facelift?
Choosing the best facelift surgeon in Baton Rouge is the first step to getting a look you can be proud of. Remember, recovering from any surgery takes patience. Rushing the process can cause unexpected setbacks and jeopardize your outcome.
With plenty of rest and self-care, you’ll notice slight improvements day by day – swelling will subside, sensations will return, and bruising will fade.
Here are a few other tips for ensuring a swift, comfortable recovery.
Take It Easy
Don’t overexert your body following surgery. Avoid things that can elevate your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. Take a break from activities like excessive bending, moving, and lifting heavy objects for about two to three weeks after surgery. Wait until you receive clearance from Dr. Daugherty before resuming your usual daily routine, including wearing makeup, coloring your hair, and exercising.
Reduce Incision Strain
Please alleviate unnecessary tension on your incisions for at least two weeks, as this can impact how your skin scars. Limit how much you turn or move your head and neck as you begin your recovery. Rest with your head elevated at least a 30-degree angle to minimize swelling and encourage faster healing.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Your skin – especially along your incisions – will be more sensitive after a facelift. Sun exposure can cause incisions to darken and lead to discoloration and additional wrinkles. Protect yourself by wearing an SPF of 50or higher and a broad-brimmed hat for 6 – 12 months after surgery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Dr. Daugherty will give you thorough post-care instructions, and you should follow them as closely as possible to ensure your optimal recovery. Be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand the instructions. Keep Dr. Daugherty’s number handy after your procedure to call with any concerns or if any complications arise.
What Are the Best Ways to Get Ready for Your Facelift Surgery?
1. Mentally Prepare
Most people have trusted family members or friends to help with physical tasks like errands and chores. While their assistance is valuable, don’t overlook the mental and emotional support you’ll need while you heal. After facelift surgery, it’s easy to get discouraged if you experience bruising, swelling, and you’re not feeling your best.
You are never alone during your recovery. Discuss your concerns and goals with your friends and family, so they understand how to be there for you during your surgical journey. If you don’t have support at home, look for online forums and meetups.
Here are a few extra tips you can use to mentally gear up for surgery:
- Stay optimistic.
- Learn the facts about facelift recovery.
- Don’t isolate yourself.
- Meditate on your reflections and goals.
- Maintain realistic expectations.
Set up a comfortable recovery space, including plenty of pillows to elevate your head and books or movies so you don’t get bored while resting. Make sure you have easy access to ice packs, prescriptions, and water.
2. Ask for Assistance
All surgeries require healing time, even elective ones. During your facelift recovery, you may need help completing simple tasks, especially if you have small children or pets. Arranging for assistance from trusted friends or family members before your surgery will allow you to rest easier during your recovery.
Here are some other aspects you may need to consider before scheduling your surgery.
- Request at least a week or two off from work.
- Schedule transportation to and from the surgical center.
- Ensure someone can stay with you and care for you for at least the first few days of recovery.
- Arrange for child and pet care.
- Fill your prescriptions.
3. Incorporate Some Healthy Lifestyle Changes
One of the first changes you should make in the weeks before your facelift, or any surgery, is to quit smoking, vaping, or using other nicotine products. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, heightening your risk of complications like blood clots. During your recovery, you want your circulatory system as healthy as possible to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to your body. Quit smoking at least four weeks before and after your facelift.
If you drink, you should also avoid alcohol at least 48 hours before surgery. Alcohol can thin your blood, which can prolong the healing process. It can also affect how your body reacts to anesthesia, making some sedatives ineffective.
To ensure your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal, another positive lifestyle change is to incorporate nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies into your diet before your surgery. Stop eating processed foods like prepared meals, as these can slow down your recovery.
4. Prepare Nutritious Meals
One easy way to alleviate worry during your facelift recovery is to prep and freeze several meals ahead of time. During recovery, cooking may be one of the last things you want to do. If you don’t enjoy cooking, sign up for meal delivery services to ensure you have plenty of healthy options during your recovery.
When you’re planning and shopping for your meals, be sure to include plenty of nutritious foods that are easy to eat. Soft, protein-rich foods that are low in sodium are ideal. Consider simple options like premade soups, protein shakes, oatmeal, or applesauce.
While preparing nutritious meals, make sure to include plenty of hydration. Water is the best way to stay hydrated in the days before and after your procedure.
5. The Right Clothing
On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing – including a shirt that closes in the front – as it will be uncomfortable to pull tops on and off your head. Dressing yourself may be challenging for several days, so make sure to buy enough shirts that button, zip, or tie in the front to relieve frustration.
What Should I Avoid Before a Facelift?
While you should do several things in anticipation of your facelift, there are just as many don’ts. You should receive comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative instructions from your plastic surgeon. These directions will cover eating, drinking, medications, and hygiene. Be sure to ask for clarification if you don’t understand any of the instructions.
Here are a few general things you should not do before getting your facelift.
- Avoid taking any over-the-counter medications that can prolong or induce bleeding. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oils, and other herbal supplements. Please stop taking these medications at least two weeks beforehand. Since alcohol encourages bleeding, do not drink for at least 48 hours before your surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Daugherty, you will receive a thorough list of all medications or supplements to avoid.
- Don’t make significant dietary changes. Now isn’t the time to try losing a few pounds or cutting out a specific food group. Continue eating a balanced diet to ensure your body has enough fuel to heal itself.
- Steer clear of foods that have a high sodium content for at least a week beforehand.
- Don’t eat or drink after midnight on the night before your surgery.
- Please quit smoking, vaping, and using all nicotine products for at least four weeks before and after your facelift to ensure that the effects do not impact your body’s ability to heal.
- On the day of your surgery, please don’t wear jewelry, perfume, lotion, deodorant, or makeup.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Facelift Procedure
As a wife, mom, and dual board-certified female plastic surgeon, Dr. Daugherty appreciates and understands how valuable your time is. At your facelift consultation, she will ask you to detail concerns about your appearance, your goals, and what you envision as your ideal outcome. Then, she will review your medical history, assess your unique risks, and explain how a facelift will benefit you. Best of all, she will be honest with you about how to best address your concerns and unique situation.
Dr. Daugherty will also:
- Examine your facial anatomy and features
- Evaluate your full medical history and overall health
- Assess current medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Discuss your concerns, questions, potential risks, or complications
Dr. Daugherty always takes every step to ensure her patients feel empowered and comfortable in deciding to pursue plastic surgery. As a facial cosmetic specialist, Dr. Daugherty promises high-quality care, compassion, and dedication to excellent results, making her your choice for the best facelift in Baton Rouge.
As a patient-focused plastic surgeon, Dr. Daugherty’s goal is to restore your natural beauty and confidence. She knows the positive impact of plastic surgery and commits to improving and enriching her patients’ lives – one procedure at a time.
Learn more about the Baton Rouge facelifts offered at Daugherty Plastic Surgery by calling (225) 235-3884 or contact us through our website today. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!