Even when done by the most skilled surgeons, a facelift doesn’t last forever. The procedure sets back the clock, but it doesn’t stop the effect of time. Just like before, damaging effects from the sun, as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking and your diet, will continue to affect your skin and the rest of your body. However, you can take measures to maintain the results, as well as extend the lifespan of the procedure.
1
Upgrade Your Skincare Routine
After the procedure, drugstore products might not cut it anymore when it comes to keeping your skin looking youthful. Now, it’s time to talk to your dermatologist about medical-grade skincare, such as prescription products that contain retinoids and other anti-aging ingredients such as resveratrol. While these products are only available through the doc, they affect the deeper layers of the skin (compared to the top layers that over-the-counter products target). You’ve heard it before, hear it again: sunscreen. It continues to be the most important skincare product, and it’s the top defense against aging skin. UV rays damage skin’s collagen and elastin, both required for the smooth appearance that a facelift helped achieve.
2
Schedule Complementary Procedures
Laser resurfacing treatments, which work by removing the outer layer of skin, reveal smoother, youthful-looking skin cells beneath. Other non-surgical procedures that can maintain the results of a facelift include Ultherapy, which uses micro-focused ultrasound waves to stimulate new collagen products, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which treats signs of sun damage, such as pigment irregularities. Check with your surgeon to determine how long you should wait before scheduling non-surgical cosmetic treatment to make sure you have healed.
3
Enhance Your Skin From The Inside
Rather than “you are what you eat,” the saying should be, “your skin is what you eat.” A healthy diet full of fresh produce and lean protein will keep your skin looking youthful. In particular, you want to incorporate plenty of vitamin C, available through citrus, kale, peppers, and strawberries, to encourage collagen production; vitamin E, found in nuts and spinach, to heal wounds and smooth rough skin; vitamin A in sweet potatoes, orange and red fruits, and fish to keep skin smooth and moist; and, finally, all the vitamin Bs. They’re in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, while B12 is specifically in animal products, and they help produce new skin cells.
