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How to Maintain Your Facial Surgery Results

Non-Surgical Aesthetician / November 14, 2016

At evolv Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics in Toledo, Ohio, we see many patients who are candidates for facial aesthetic surgery. Patients of all ages may be motivated to improve the signs of aging or to correct an abnormality that always bothered a patient throughout the years.

The Goal of Aesthetic Surgery

The goal of aesthetic or cosmetic surgery is not to “change” the patient, but rather the enhance their natural look, making them appear more youthful. When done properly for appropriate indications, that is exactly the result. However, one of the most common questions asked by patients is how long the results will last after surgery. This answer will greatly depend on how well the patient was prepared for their surgery, as well as consistently following the maintenance program after their procedure.

Facial Surgery Preparation

The technique and the experience of the plastic surgeon are important for the longevity of the result. It’s also very important how the skin was prepared before surgery and the maintenance program after.  Skin that is prepared with the appropriate medical skin care program will respond to the surgery more effectively. A physician-supervised medical skin care program will improve skin health and increase circulation which will result in quicker healing, less swelling and reduced downtime.  That is why evolv focuses on a pre-operative preparation program for all surgery patients.

Facial Surgery Results & Maintenance

After the procedure is complete, the next important consideration is maintenance. We try to educate all patients on the importance of a regular skin care program, which will involve scientifically-proven medical skin care products and sun protection, as well as healthy lifestyle changes.  We have had long term and very exciting results with our ZO® Skin Health program for patients extending the longevity of their surgical results.  After facial surgery, many patients can maintain the results much longer with the help of these programs by improving skin care.

In addition, new technology has allowed patients who have had surgery to extend the results using in-office or non-surgical maintenance programs. This may involve energy applications, such as radiofrequency with Exilis Ultra. It may include microneedling such as Eclipse MicroPen.  An exciting new technology which combines the benefits of medical microneedling and radiofrequency energy, Infini RF can tighten and improve skin quality to enhance and maintain facial surgery results.  Other programs offered at evolv include advanced chemical skin peels, light energy (IPL Redness Reduction and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)), and other therapies that focus on increasing collagen production and rejuvenating skin quality which is very beneficial post- surgery in extending and in improving results.

Finally, one of the most advanced programs for maintenance after surgery is the use of fat grafting and stem cells, along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or growth factors obtained from the patient’s blood. Once the blood is drawn, it is centrifuged and the growth factors are extracted to enhance the skin response either with injection or mixing them with the patient’s own fat or stem cells. This is an area called regenerative medicine, which Dr. Barone believes will be the future for aesthetic surgery and aesthetic care.

Top Skin Care Tips for Maintenance

The top products for skin care maintenance are fundamental, usually involving a medical cleanser, an exfoliant, a retinol-based application (Vitamin A) and a medical sunscreen containing antioxidants. These are skin products that will reduce the signs of aging and keep the skin youthful and healthy, which will extend the surgical result.

Finally, we emphasize patient education, the importance of healthy nutrition, exercise, reducing stress and appropriate hydration. Your lifestyle and the overall health of your mind and body will affect the longevity of any facial or aesthetic surgical results. We believe in a long-term comprehensive program of general health and integrating medical skin care health as well. Our goal is for our patients to think of the bigger picture to enhance their appearance in addition to making them feel better about themselves, giving them more confidence, restoring their youthfulness and ultimately improving their quality of life.