Health

Skin Care After Cosmetic Surgery: Facelifts, Eyelifts and Rhinoplasty

Katrina Levy

Skin Care After Cosmetic Surgery: Facelifts, Eyelifts and Rhinoplasty

Taking care of your skin after cosmetic surgeries is more complicated than after less invasive procedures because you need to treat your wounds, manage swelling, and keep up with everyday skin care for best results.

To minimize swelling, experts recommend regular use of ice or cold compresses, especially in the first three days after your surgery. Sleeping with you head elevated above your heart will also help avoid an increase in swelling overnight.

As for bruising, ask your doctor whether you should take Arnica montana, an herbal supplement that may help minimize bruising or discoloration.

Even though your face will be sore after cosmetic surgery, it’s important to continue to cleanse your skin regularly to help with healing and avoid build-up in your pores that might lead to breakouts. Try washing with mild astringent pads to cleanse sore areas without applying pressure. Then, be sure to apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.“In all cases, we keep the areas clean and moist,” says Jeffery Dover, a Chestnut Hill, Mass.-based dermatologist.