FACELIFT - POST-OP HEALING
Skin adhesives
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.