Cosmetic surgery has changed millions of lives over the last 40 to 50 years. In that time, it has evolved and branched out well beyond its initial confines. Numerous procedures are now available, and they can bring about remarkable transformations. Having said that, maintaining long-term results with cosmetic surgery requires several measures. If you’ve recently had a cosmetic procedure or are thinking about doing so, consider the following tips for making the results last as long as possible.
Heed the Doctor’s Orders
First of all, your board certified MD will give you specific instructions for follow-up care after a cosmetic procedure. Be sure to follow them to achieve optimal results both immediately and over the long term. Those instructions may include proper wound care, hygiene, and minimizing the risk of infections to name a few points. Follow those guidelines to the letter, and don’t leave out any seemingly minor details.
Be sure to follow through with any recommended follow-up appointments with your cosmetic surgeon as well. Those check-ups will allow the surgeon to catch problems early, possibly before they can impact the results of your procedure. Some procedures require ongoing monitoring even after the wounds have healed, so heeding your doctor’s orders is crucial for your health and long-term results.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after cosmetic surgery is also crucial. Any number of risky and unhealthy choices can cause premature aging and counteract the outcomes of cosmetic procedures. Avoiding those behaviors has the opposite effect, and several factors come into play here.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Your body needs an array of nutrients to stay healthy. Those vitamins and minerals can affect your body inside and out. Eating healthy foods helps you heal after cosmetic surgery and can aid in maintaining its effects.
Avoid Smoking
If you’re a smoker, consider quitting now. Smoking can interfere with blood flow, which may delay healing and cause fine lines and wrinkles. It may even lead to significant skin discoloration. All those consequences will certainly detract from the effects of cosmetic procedures and their longevity.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and cause inflammation. It can also break down the fibers that keep your skin looking smooth and young. On top of that, alcohol may hamper your body’s ability to metabolize the nutrients it needs to stay fit. Consume alcohol only in moderation to prevent those negative effects.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also essential for optimal skin health and elasticity. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin youthful, wards off wrinkles, and even promotes healing after cosmetic procedures. Of course, getting enough water also has a long list of additional benefits. If you drink plenty of water, you’ll feel good, and that’ll be reflected in your outward appearance.
Take Care of Your Skin
It’s also important to protect your skin after a cosmetic procedure. Potential skin-damaging hazards are all around us. We’re constantly bombarded by free radicals, harmful UV rays from the sun, and other factors that can lead to premature aging and counteract the effects of cosmetic procedures. When you go outside, protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen even on cold or cloudy days.
Developing a good skincare routine is also recommended. Use moisturizers. When applying them to your face, be sure you’re only using those designed for facial skin. Body lotions can lead to excessive drying, clogged pores, and other skin problems when applied to the face. Take advantage of the vast selection of skincare products on the market to target your specific concerns whether they’re scarring, dark spots, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, or other problems.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting plenty of sleep is one of the keys to living a healthy life. It can also combat the inner and outward signs of aging in several ways. It reduces stress, promotes physical and mental well-being, and reduces inflammation to name a few potential advantages. If your cosmetic surgeon recommends specific sleeping positions after a procedure, take care to adhere to them to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your surgical sites. Failure to do so could alter the procedure’s results and interfere with the healing process.
Manage Stress Properly
Stress is a common cause of premature aging. It also contributes to poor physical and mental health. As such, finding healthy ways to manage stress is vital for maintaining cosmetic procedure results. Consider using yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and other methods for stress reduction to keep its effects at bay.
Maintain Your Weight
Weight fluctuations may cause a long list of health problems, and they can greatly alter the effects of body contouring and other cosmetic procedures. Try to avoid gaining significant amounts of weight after a cosmetic procedure. Don’t fall into the trap of repeatedly gaining and losing weight, either. Eat healthy foods, minimize your fat intake, and exercise regularly to maintain a stable weight and prolong your procedure results.
Making Cosmetic Procedure Results Last As Long As Possible
When you have a cosmetic procedure, you want its results to last as long as possible. Many people inadvertently contradict those goals by making unhealthy choices. Keep the points mentioned here in mind after undergoing cosmetic procedures to foster not only their effects but your overall health. It may require a long-term commitment, but it’ll be well worth the effort in the long run.
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