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Facelift

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POST-OP HEALING

Skin Adhesivs

Also known as Dermabond, skin adhesives are like superglue for the skin. Adhesive offers a continuous and consistent application to join the skin, unlike sutures that provide interrupted tension. The use of adhesives can help in healing incisions after a facelift, and some plastic surgeons feel that they allow wounds to heal more quickly and evenly. In combination with sutures or Steri-strips, the result is very fine, even hairline scars. But adhesives are not right for all skins. Patients with skin that tends to produce raised scars or doesn't fully break down absorbable sutures may find skin adhesives a detriment rather than an advantage. Many plastic surgeons who were initially enthused with tissue glues no longer use them in facelift procedures.

Arnica

Also called leopard's bane, this herbal supplement reportedly helps reduce post-surgical swelling and bruising. There is no hard data proving it works, but some patients and doctors swear by it. In controlled doses, arnica is not harmful, but taken inappropriately, it can causes serious intestinal distress.

Vitamin K

Primarily an essential blood-clotting agent, vitamin K is recommended as a topical by some plastic surgeons to reduce redness, swelling and broken capillaries following facelift surgery. It is also considered a calming agent for serious burns and has been suggested to improve scar formation. Whether or not vitamin K makes a difference has yet to be scientifically proven.

Lymphatic drainage

Lucky you—a facelift and a massage. Some plastic surgeons believe in the benefits of gentle rhythmic massage to stimulate the body's lymphatic system. The system is responsible for regulating the immune system and defending against infectious diseases and conditions such as cancer. It also transports nutrients to cells and eliminates metabolic waste and excess fluids from the body. There is no clinical data that shows the effect of lymphatic massage as essential to healing, but take it if it's offered!

Compression

Some plastic surgeons use drains, while others use a compression garment on the head and neck for a few days after facelift surgery. Clearly in the case of a necklift where deeply sagging jowls have been corrected, compression following surgery is helpful to control swelling and to support the newly sculpted skin and tissue.