Many men and women today are plagued by the choices they made as teenagers, especially when it comes to their faces. From acne scars to enlarged pores, the evidence of those teenage, hormone-induced breakouts is everywhere. While acne is associated with youth, the scars left behind by pimples and blackheads can make you look older over time. While facelift surgery is known for correcting many of the common aging problems, there’s not much discussion on how it can (or can’t) help to reverse acne scars. So, how can a facelift help you?

Flatten and Tighten the Skin

If you are an eligible candidate, facelift surgery does many things, but the most commonly known change is how the skin becomes flattened and tightened. One goal of the facelift procedure is to smooth out loose skin and deep wrinkles by adjusting the skin and trimming away the excess. If you have large pores and acne scars, you might have noticed that stretching your skin gently with your fingertips seems to smooth them away. This happens because of surface tension on the skin as it is pulled flatter.

Unfortunately, facelift surgery in New York will not help you to smooth away these scars. During the procedure, the skin will be pulled to a natural amount of tension. While the excess will be removed, your skin won’t have that “pulled look.” Staying natural and youthful might mean keeping those larger pores, or at least turning to other methods to improve their appearance.

Excess Skin Removal

While tightening the skin may not deliver the results you want, the physical removal of some skin could help. During the facelift procedure, the skin and underlying tissue are lifted and pulled outward to a natural and more youthful position. Any excess skin is then removed from the outer edges before your sutures are closed. If you have noticed some scarring around the jaw and cheek areas, you might want to talk to your facial plastic surgeon about this. Depending on the degree to which your skin is sagging, some of these scars might be removed along with the excess skin. You’ll only be able to get such personalized answers through a face-to-face consultation and it certainly never hurts to ask!

Improvements Made by Facelift Surgery

Even if your acne scars cannot be treated with facelift surgery, there are many ways in which this procedure can improve your appearance and leave you looking younger and refreshed. Facelifts can help to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases around the mid and lower regions of the face. Patients with turkey neck, jowls, and sagging skin can see dramatic improvements as well. Discuss the surgical procedure with a board certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller to learn more about the specific anti-aging benefits a facelift will offer to you.

Other Ways to Treat Acne Scars

Facelift surgery isn’t the only procedure that can improve your look. There are many nonsurgical techniques that will couple nicely with your facelift procedure and address your specific concerns about skin-tightening, skin resurfacing, scar treatments, and pore minimizing. Consult with your facial plastic surgeon to learn more about when and what treatments would be best able to help you address your own specific concerns.

Plan Your Anti-Aging Facial Procedure in NYC Today

If you’d like to learn more about how a facelift surgery and other acne-scarring treatments can help you to achieve the results you want, consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon today. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller is frequently invited to share his particular techniques with his peers. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, read all about Deviated Septums 

Let’s face the fact that facelift surgery in New York is a valuable investment of your time and money, so you’ll want to keep its benefits for a long time to come. On average, patients can turn back the clock up to 10 years with a facelift surgery and of course, nobody wants to have the hands of time catch up with them. 

For certain, once your recovery period is over and you’re finally enjoying that new, refreshed, and well-rested look, you would be thinking about ways to keep it for as long as possible. While there are many skincare treatments to use and daily lifestyle changes to make, one of the most helpful techniques can be done while you sleep. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason, right? 

Your Sleeping Position Matters

Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about our daily activities and what we can do to keep our skin clear, smooth, and firm. For instance, we’re confident we’ve cracked the skincare code by: moisturizing to keep skin looking soft and hydrated, performing gentle scrubs on the face using fingertips to keep the skin supple, maintaining a daily skincare regimen, not smoking because it causes wrinkles, and protecting the skin from the sun to prevent aging. All of these conscious habits are very beneficial to the skin, but there’s a large part of our day that goes unaccounted for –and that is, sleeping. And yes, doctors already recommend getting enough sleep to get your whole body healthy, including your skin. But getting enough sleep is just one thing. It is how you get that sleep that can also make a difference. The way you sleep at night can either age you, or help keep you looking young.

Sleeping Positions That Age You

The average adult sleeps 6-8 hours, which also means a lot of time having your face smushed up against a pillow. Certain sleep positions can actually create deep wrinkles and creases from consistent long nights of sleeping: on your side and on your stomach.

If you sleep on your side, for instance, that part of your face that touches the pillow pushes the skin upward and creates the creases which will eventually settle into place permanently. This position has the tendency to leave lines along the cheek and chin areas, which will aggravate as you age.

The same can happen if you sleep on your stomach. This position could actually be worse because more of your face will have contact on the pillow. Men and women who are stomach sleepers see more wrinkles on the forehead and upper-midface. While these lines might not affect facelift results directly, they could still have an impact in other ways. Imagine having a youthful lower face with a wrinkle-heavy forehead. You might not need to repeat your facelift surgery, but you’ll wind up considering a brow lift to counteract your sleep wrinkles. And while side and stomach sleeping may be the most comfortable ways to catch your zzz’s, they’re not going to help safeguard your youthful, post-facelift appearance.

The Best Anti-Aging Way To Sleep 

If placing your face on your pillow results in aging effects, it might be obvious which sleeping position offers the best facelift-preserving results –back sleeping. With the face free of pressure and contact for those 6-8 hours, your skin stays smooth and refreshed. Although other factors may still cause wrinkles in the long run, you’ll know they won’t result from your sleeping.

How To Sleep Comfortably On Your Back

If fighting wrinkles in your sleep is so easy, why don’t more people sleep on their backs? Unfortunately, most consider this to be the least comfortable position for sleeping. Still, the benefits of back-sleeping reach beyond skin care to include relief of back pain, deeply restful sleep, and avoiding strain or isolation on any one part of the body.

To get a better night’s rest and fight wrinkles in your sleep, try these methods to get more comfortable while sleeping on your back:

• Find comfortable ways to position your pillows. Those who sleep on their backs use a pillow beneath the head and neck, and a second pillow beneath the knees to naturally and comfortably contour the body.
• If you find yourself rolling over once you fall asleep, box yourself in with two other pillows beneath your arms.
• Pick a firm mattress. The extra support from a firm mattress is good for back sleeping as it helps you maintain your position throughout the night.
• Use meditation to lure yourself to sleep. Get comfortable in your bed with your pillows in place then close your eyes, and calm yourself through a gentle breathing and meditation exercise. As you relax each muscle of the body, you become more comfortable in this new position as you drift off to sleep.

The most important way to learn how to become comfortable in this sleeping position is by being consistent. Sleeping in this new position each and every night will eventually become a habit. You’ll gradually learn to sleep on your back by default as you retrain your body. This takes time, so don’t get frustrated if you wake up on your side or stomach. Simply correct your position and try again. One day, it will become second nature and you can sleep your way to enjoying your youthful-looking face for many years to come.

Consult With A Facelift Specialist in NYC

Facelift surgery is the best anti-aging weapon you can choose from the skin rejuvenation arsenal. When performed by a skilled surgeon, a facelift should provide you with long-lasting results. If you’d like to learn more about facelift surgery, whether it’s a good option for you, or how to prolong its results, consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon today. 

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery and offers over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007, and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, find out if a facelift could fix your acne scarring

After your facelift surgery in New York, you’re going to want to look your very best. Taking proper care of yourself during your facelift recovery is the very best way to ensure that your potential results become a reality. You may become more confident, build your self-esteem, and find yourself more comfortable in public, with friends, and even in front of the camera.

If you want to have your smoothest and most successful facelift recovery, you’ll need to follow your facial plastic surgeon’s instructions very carefully. Make sure you take steps ahead of time to avoid these recovery-derailing pitfalls right from the start.

#1 – Don’t Be a Super Hero

By all means, face your recovery period head on and be ready to fight and win. Just don’t overdo it and, above all else, don’t play the hero. After surgery, your body is drained, injured, and very sore. It has a lot of work to do in order to support your facial plastic surgeon’s expertly crafted results. To heal properly, and as quickly as possible, your body needs lots of rest, plenty of water, and a balanced diet full of nutrients and vitamins. When your body is happy, it will work with you instead of against you. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can stay up late working, watch the neighbor’s kids, or take your dog for a long walk if your body is telling you no. Be a hero for your body and get some rest!

The same rules go for your prescribed pain medication. If you’re trying to “tough it out” between doses and delaying (or skipping) them, stop being the hero. Resisting your pain pills leaves you miserable and also causes incredible stress on your body. Stress can actually delay your healing process, so by skipping that dose, you could be setting yourself back and causing yourself unnecessary pain. Talk all of your medications as directed and trust the healing process.

#2 – Don’t Be a Beauty Queen

Before your facelift procedure, indulge yourself with a visit to the hair salon for a new cut and color, if you choose. On the morning of your surgery, take a long, hot shower to calm your nerves and clean your hair thoroughly. After your surgery, showering is off limits for at least a couple of days. You must also avoid makeup and any haircare products for up to a week. These activities can potentially lead to infection and other problems. It’s much safer to minimize your beauty habits for the first 48 hours of your recovery and follow your facial plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully. Remember that you should be resting during this time anyway, so stay inside and enjoy your extra time in pajamas.

#3 – Don’t Be an Athlete

After facelift surgery, rest is top priority and athletic activities are strictly forbidden. You might be tempted to resume your running routine or get back to the gym as soon as you feel more energetic, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Vigorous or strenuous activities can increase swelling in the face, create problems with bleeding, or cause additional setbacks to the healing process. You must avoid these activities for four to six weeks after surgery for your best results. Skip out on the marathon training and ease your way back into your exercise routine with an easy walk around the neighborhood. Your facial plastic surgeon can help you to determine when you’ll be ready for your favorite activities, like hiking, yoga, basketball, or other social activities.

#4 – Don’t Be a Food Critic

You might be tempted to treat yourself to all of your favorite meals and snacks while you rest and recover from your facelift surgery. Unfortunately, chewy foods can be uncomfortable or even painful to eat. Your body will need nutritious foods to heal properly, but you’ll be limited in what you’ll be able to eat without increasing swelling or pain in your face. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about snacks or meal ideas that fall somewhere in the middle. Avoid the urge to eat marshmallows for days and stock your cabinets with smarter snacks. Shop for things like yogurt, eggs (scramble them), soft fruits like bananas, meal replacement drinks, baby food, and milk.

Be careful to avoid certain foods that can irritate you or are considered unhealthy. Skip the chips, cheese puffs, high sodium soups, or meats that are tough to chew. Avoid anything chewy, crunchy, or hard to eat. Instead, concentrate on smoother foods and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated throughout your recovery.

Consult with a New York Facial Plastic Surgeon Today

If you’d like to learn more about how the facelift surgery and recovery process, consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon today. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery and offers over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his plastic surgery clinic located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn about What to Expect after a Facelift

The facelift procedure is not intended for patients at any specific age or even within a certain age range. Of course, prospective facelift patients should have developed some of the common signs of aging in some degree, but otherwise, there’s no age stamp on this procedure. For each age range, however, there may be specific concerns to discuss with your facial plastic surgeon, such as New York plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Every patients’ experience is unique, but your facelift journey may vary slightly based on your age.

A Facelift at Age 35

What was once a procedure for more mature adults has gotten a makeover, gearing its benefits toward a much younger crowd. Facelifts for patients in their 30s are becoming much more popular as the techniques improve and awareness of the surgery’s benefits increase. At the age of 35, a facelift patient might not have a lot of corrections to make, but undergoing the procedure could help as a preventative measure against more advanced signs in the years to come.

If you are concerned that your aging side effects require surgical correction, consult with a facial plastic surgeon experienced in the facelift procedure. You should be in good overall health, not smoke, have realistic expectations for your facelift results, and already be experiencing some of the signs of aging. You might have noticed fine lines around the mouth and nose, facial creases, and slight sagging in the skin around the lower face.

A Facelift at Age 45

The 40s is a time for big changes, especially women who are in the beginning stages of menopause. There is a myth that a woman’s facelift results can be affected by the hormonal changes of menopause, making it wise to wait until after this transition has completed. The good news is that there are plenty of facelifts performed on pre-menopausal women that result in long-lasting anti-aging effects. You can plan your facelift surgery on your own terms and leave the internal changes of your body for your primary care physician to worry about.

While the aging effects are not as dramatic or obvious in 40-something patients, the differences made by a facelift surgery can still be meaningful. Patients in this age group, both male and female, can benefit from the changes in their contour and profile. It’s a great way to set back the clock before some of the more drastic aging signs have begun to affect the face. Remember that every patient is unique, so your aging process will be yours alone. Consult with your facial plastic surgeon to discover how a facelift could benefit you the most during your 40s.

A Facelift at Age 55

During the 50s, prospective facelift patients might be seeing more dramatic changes to their faces and necks. The skin will likely begin to appear loose and more inelastic. Fatty deposits will be more noticeably shifted from the upper portion of the face downward to the lower region. It’s easy to become frustrated as the face changes dramatically during these years. Stress, environmental exposure, time, and gravity can all create unwanted effects that are irreversible with creams and topical treatments.

Because these aging effects won’t be limited to the mid- and lower face, many facelift patients in their 50s may choose to add on other facial rejuvenation procedures to create a more youthful look overall. Popular combinations might include a facelift with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a neck lift. Other patients might choose to incorporate nonsurgical anti-aging treatments into their procedure as well. Consult with your facial plastic surgeon about the best treatment methods for you.

A Facelift at Age 65

For more mature men and women in their 60s and beyond, facelift surgery offers the chance to recapture some of their youth and “clean up” the excess skin and fat around the lower facial region. Patients at this age tend to see a greater degree of inelastic skin and drooping around the chin and jaw. Jowls may form, as well as a double chin or “turkey neck.” While facelift surgery can’t make you look 30 again, it can certainly turn back the clock as much as 10 years by tightening up the skin, redistributing the fat cells as needed, and redefining the chin, neck, and jaw.

At 65, surgery can be performed safely and effectively, but there is a greater chance of post-surgical complications if you have certain medical conditions. Talk openly with your facial plastic surgeon if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a heart condition, diabetes, or any other medical concerns.

To learn more about facelift, visit medlineplus.gov

Plan Your Facelift Today With a New York Plastic Surgeon

If you’d like to learn more about how a facelift surgery can help you to appear more youthful, no matter what your age may be, consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon today. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, read about some Common Inconveniences after Facelift Surgery

Not everyone is a good candidate for plastic surgery, especially a delicate procedure like a facelift.

If you have been denied surgical care by a board certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC, you might want to pause and reassess your goals. If you can, resolve the problem at play before you return for a second consultation. By following these guidelines, you should be able to become eligible for that facelift you wanted.

A Good Facelift Candidate

Facelift surgery is a popular procedure that addresses many of the signs of aging on the face. This surgery involves tightening the sagging skin, lifting and tightening the underlying sheet of tissue, and even removing the fat cells that have collected around the chin and jaw. The surgery is an outpatient procedure often performed under general anesthesia.

The ideal candidate for a facelift should be experiencing some signs of aging, especially around the lower portion of the face. In addition, he or she should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the results.

Problem #1 – You’re A Smoker

Smoking is hazardous to your health even without surgery to complicate things. When it comes to smoking and surgery, however, the dangers are much more imminent. The nicotine in cigarettes actually restricts the blood vessels, which can make it difficult for your face to get the appropriate levels of blood (and the oxygen it contains) to heal properly. Smoking has been linked to a number of post-surgical complications, so Dr. Miller recommends that you stop smoking temporarily or permanently for three weeks before and three weeks after any surgery to be safe.

Problem #2 – You Have a Condition That Delays Healing

Some prospective patients must be sidelined because of medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or the healing process. Having an elective procedure can be dangerous with one of these conditions, which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, severe allergies, high cholesterol, and arthritis. Not all of these conditions are prohibitive to surgery, but you will definitely be evaluated on a individual basis to determine if a facelift is the right fir for you.

Problem #3 – You Are Overweight or Obese

Being overweight or obese can lead to problems during and after your facelift surgery. Overweight or obese patients tend to have one or more of the conditions mentioned above, making it difficult to heal properly and increasing the risk of harmful complications. Beyond the immediate health threats, being overweight can also affect your results. If your facelift is completed when you are 50 pounds overweight, for example, losing weight after your surgery might leave your results looking less than stellar. If the composition of your face changes drastically, you won’t be as happy with those final results.

Problem #4 – You Take Certain Medications or Supplements

Yes, it’s true: every medication, vitamin, and supplement you take can put you at risk for an interaction with another medication or something worse. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding what pills you can and cannot take. Aspirin and other NSAID pain relievers can increase your risk for bleeding during and after surgery. Some all-natural supplements can also cause similar troubles for facelift patients, so stop taking everything for at least one week before your procedure.

Problem #5 – You Have Unrealistic Expectations

Facelift surgery can create dramatic results for the right patient, but even this surgery has its limitations. Before going in for your consultation, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the surgery and what your realistic expectations might be. Take a peek at your facial plastic surgeon’s before and after photos for a good idea of what types of strategies could work best for you. If your expectations are too lofty, your end results are going to be disappointing no matter what they are. Having realistic expectations is not exclusive, yet it could help prospective patients to learn more about this surgery.

Eligible? Plan Your Facelift in New York Now

If you’re eligible for surgery, start your facelift planning process with a consultation. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures for both males and females, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Bruising is a very common, and challenging, side effect of the facelift procedure. It is natural for the body to form bruises when injuries, damage, and changes are made. Bruising shouldn’t be cause for alarm as your face heals. Still, many patients are frustrated by the remnants of bruises that seem to take forever to fade, especially once they are ready to go back to work and resume some of their other daily activities. Wearing your hair differently is a great way to detract attention away from the changes, but you certainly can’t walk around with your hair over your face all day, hiding the bruises from everyone you meet. Try these bruise-covering strategies instead.

Follow Your Post-Op Instructions

Dr. Miller in New York offers post-op instructions to help you care for your incisions and minimize bruising after your surgery. It is critical to follow these instructions carefully as they will help to keep bruising to a minimum.

Knowing How Much Bruising to Expect

There isn’t a magic formula to determine how much each individual patient will bruise following a facelift surgery. Everyone is different and so each patient will react in his or her own way to surgery. Some patients may have only slight bruising concentrated to the lower and mid-face regions. Others can see their bruising extend outward to cover other nearby areas. Just as scarring, swelling, and other side effects can be a bit unpredictable, your bruising will be unique to you. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about how much bruising you should expect based on the specifics of your facelift procedure. While it’s not an exact picture, it could be somewhat helpful as you plan your methods to cover it up after the fact.

Make Friends with the Right Makeup Products

To cover up bruises after surgery, not just any drugstore beauty products will do the job. You need to find the right kind of makeup that will offer thicker coverage that lasts throughout the day. After all, you don’t want to be applying it over and over every time you visit the bathroom. Look up makeup brands that offer a formula that will adhere to scar tissue. Take a peek at what you have at home and sample some of your liquid foundation, loose powder, or other products to see if they are effective before you buy anything expensive. Don’t overlook the ingredients of your products either; avoid fragrance and dyes in your products and try to find something that is hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate the skin or clog your pores. You don’t want to create acne troubles while you’re still healing from surgery, right?

When shopping for new skincare products, try it on first, if you can, to make sure that you don’t look like you’re wearing a mask when you have it on. If you’re not sure where to start shopping, talk to your facial plastic surgeon or someone in his practice’s spa and salon (if offered) to get a better idea what to look for. They may have specific brands that they know will work well. Even better, you might be able to order what you need right from them.

Practice Applying Makeup Just Right

Makeup really is your best strategy for hiding bruises while your facelift heals. Men and women alike can benefit from the use of cosmetics to hide minor and major scars alike. The method of application that you use will vary based o your unique needs. Post-surgical cover-up does work a little different than regular, daily wear makeup so you might have to change your techniques a little. Follow these tips for a successful cover-up job to help you achieve the right look:

• Start with a makeup artist, If possible, so she can give you practical advice.
• Apply your foundation with a foam wedge-shaped applicator to get the smoothest and most natural look possible.
• Build coverage by using liquid and products that will do just that. Add in concealers as necessary to help neutralize the discoloration of the bruises and any redness or swelling.

Keep an Eye on Your Incisions

While you’re trying to cover everything up, don’t go overboard and interfere with the healing process. First talk to your facial plastic surgeon about when it will be acceptable to begin using makeup again and then listen to that advice. Introducing makeup too soon can increase redness, up your risk for infection, and more. If you notice any changes to this area, talk to your facial plastic surgeon right away to rule out more dangerous associations.

Choose a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Facelift in NYC

Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings.

He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, read Why you Should Sleep on Your Back after a Facelift

Facelift surgery in NYC brings with it many positive changes for the right patients. Yet even the most prepared facelift patients may find themselves facing some surprises once the surgery is over. While every patient and every surgery is different, it’s hard to predict every single side effect or detail of the recovery process. From prolonged swelling to itchy stitches, every facelift can provide a patient with some information they wish they’d known beforehand. Here are some of the big ones.

#1 – Pre-Op Pampering Is Essential

You might notice that your pre-op instructions include something about taking a nice hot shower in the morning. Don’t gloss over this important detail. After your facelift surgery, you won’t be able to shower for a day or two, maybe more based on how you heal. In anticipation of your shower-free time after surgery, it’s a good idea to get up a little early and enjoy one more relaxing shower. Remember not to apply any products to your face or hair afterwards, though; these could interfere with your surgery.

The same instructions can apply to your haircut and color. Make a salon appointment in the days before your surgery, since you won’t be able to do so for about six weeks after your facelift. Try a new hairstyle and/or color to wow those who see you during your recovery. Sometimes, the change to your hair is enough to distract them from noticing your recent surgery, if that’s something you want to keep secret.

#2 – Plan Ahead to Be Comfortable

After your facelift surgery in NYC you’re going to feel pain and discomfort. This is a given, but it’s not something that has to go unaddressed. By planning ahead, you can turn that discomfort around and get the rest and relaxation you need to get better. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about cold compresses to help with swelling, pain medication, and other methods to manage these side effects. You’ll want to keep your head elevated while you recline and sleep, so look into an incline pillow to support your head and neck.

In addition, you should set up a dedicated recovery area with pillows, blankets, and plenty of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that don’t pull over your head (lots of buttons). Fill a basket with your medical supplies, bottles of water, medications, and healthy snacks so you have everything you need right at your fingertips.

#3 – Smoking Is a Big No-No

When it comes to any plastic surgery, smoking is at the top of the list of DON’Ts and for good reason. The nicotine and chemicals found in cigarettes can restrict the blood vessels and make it difficult for the body to heal itself. In order to give yourself a clear window for complete healing, you must stop smoking at least three weeks before your surgery and avoid resuming smoking for three more weeks after your surgery. Of course, it’s always best to quit altogether. If you’re not ready yet, talk to your facial plastic surgeon about your smoking habit and follow his or her instructions closely to ensure your health and safety before, during, and after your facelift.

#4 – Mirrors Are Not Your Friend

After all the planning and waiting you’ve done, the moment you wake up from your surgery, you’ll be tempted to find the first mirror you can. Do yourself a favor and don’t look. Immediately after a facelift, you’ll be puffy and bruised, bandaged and unrecognizable. For some patients, it’s too much to handle. For others, it’s simply frustrating and can put a damper on the healing process. Promise yourself not to look during the initial days of healing and ask friends and family members not to comment on your progress. Your results are there, waiting to be visible, and will soon deliver just what you asked for. Be patient and let yourself be surprised when the bandages come off and you’re nearly finished healing.

#5 – Manage the Details With a Checklist

All the little planning details, appointments, and to-dos before your facelift can be overwhelming. To stay organized and make sure everything gets done on time and in the right order, take five minutes to jot it all down in a checklist. Even if you’re not a “list person,” you can benefit from doing so. This is a good way to plan ahead for last-minute errands like grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-ups, dry cleaning, and more. Include a list of the items you need for your recovery area. Plan the appointments you need to make, such as a pre-op with your surgeon, a salon visit, and anything else that needs to be done before your recovery time begins. If you treat this like a vacation and take care of the details before your surgery, you’ll be ready to relax with the time finally arrives.

#6 – Your Surgeon Is the Most Important Choice

The success or failure to achieve your desired results from facelift surgery in New York rests on the shoulders of only one person: your facial plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon wisely and don’t settle for less than the best for your procedure. Discount surgeons may cut corners, use outdated techniques, and provide substandard facilities, so don’t be fooled by an attractive price tag. Instead, select your facial plastic surgeon based on experience, board certification, patient reviews, and other credentials. Meet your surgeon face to face for a facelift consultation and learn more about how he or she works and what he or she projects for your results. This is the perfect time to ask all of the questions you may have as you decide if he or she is the right surgeon for your facelift. Be discerning and choose carefully; it’s truly the most important part of the planning process.

New York City facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been invited frequently to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

Next, learn about the 4 Things that are Off-Limits After Your Facelift