Treatment Options for Painful, Recurring Headaches

Posted on: 10 March 2015

A facelift surgery from a place like My Plastic Surgery Group can be an ideal procedure if you want to tighten the sagging skin around your face and neck. During the operation, the skin will be cut and pulled back around the edges of your face. Sutures will then be used to close the incisions around the hairline, ears, and neck. Your surgeon will provide you with a variety of care instructions that will help with the healing process after surgery. Even with good care, there is a small risk of necrotic tissues forming around the skin flaps that are reattached to your face. You can reduce these risks by following the tips below.

Stay Away From Nicotine

If you smoke, use a nicotine patch, or utilize an electronic cigarette, then it is in your best interest to stop using these products before your facelift procedure. Good tissue healing around the tissue flaps or incision sites of your face is dependent on the oxygen flow through the blood vessels. This oxygen will keep the tissues alive as they reattach to your face. Without oxygen, the tissues will start to die around the incisions and necrotic tissue will form. Sometimes, the tissue will spread out a small amount and this can result in the formation of deep scars.

You need to reduce nicotine intake, because it restricts the flow of blood through your blood vessels. If you smoke, then the carbon dioxide destroys the cells within the blood vessels that allows blood to flow quickly through them. Nicotine also causes fat to stick to the insides of the arteries and capillaries, and the substance forces vessels to constrict as well.

Nicotine can be detected in the body for about 20 days, so make sure to stop using nicotine products for about three weeks before your facelift procedure. Also, discontinue use for the entire duration of the healing period.

Treat Hematomas

Hematomas are areas underneath the skin that collect with blood. This intense type of bruising is common after a facelift procedure due to the trauma  that occurs during the surgery. When fluids collect, then pressure is forced against the tissues and blood vessels, and this restricts blood flow around incision sites. Oxygen then cannot reach the damaged tissues and necrosis can start to form.  

You can reduce necrosis concerns by making sure to treat bruising and hematomas properly so that blood pockets dissipate as quickly as possible. Make sure to take NSAID and steroidal pain relievers as directed after your surgery to minimize swelling that can cause blood to collect. Also, stop taking blood thinner medication before and after surgery to reduce bleeding.

You also should watch the bruises carefully that form on your face. If hematomas spread, then make an appointment with your plastic surgeon. Fluids may need to be physically drained from your face to reduce pressure and necrosis concerns.

Eat Foods With Protein

A nutritious diet after a facelift procedure is required to heal properly. The diet helps to fight infections and promote the formation of new tissues around incision sites. Necrosis risks are reduced as new tissues are formed and blood flow returns to normal across the face.  

To help new tissues form, make sure to eat a variety of foods that are high in protein. Protein provides the body with amino acids, and these acids are necessary to produce collagen. Collagen makes up the connective fibrous tissues that form around wound sites. You may be nauseous after your facelift surgery due to pain and the administration of anesthesia. This means you should try to eat proteins that are easily digestible to reduce vomiting concerns. Vomiting can place pressure on the face that leads to hematomas and necrosis problems.

Foods with easily digestible protein include cheese, yogurt, milk, eggs, nuts, quinoa, and tofu.

If you want a facelift to make yourself look younger, then you need to make sure that you heal properly after the procedure. Poor healing can lead to the formation of necrotic tissue around incision sites, so make sure to avoid nicotine. Also, treat hematomas across the face and eat protein rich foods.