Whether you had a plastic surgery procedure like a Blepharoplasty or something noninvasive like microdermabrasion, you may find yourself in need of postoperative skincare. Giving your skin the right care during the recovery period is more important than ever because it helps ensure that your healing process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Key postoperative skincare practices and routines
Surgical procedures commonly sought out by women and men in their 50s and 60s, such as Blepharoplasty, often require specific postoperative care. Dr Singer emphasizes the importance of a tailored postop regimen that includes extremely gentle skincare and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure.
While postoperative care for most procedures involves similar principles, the intensity and duration of care may vary depending on the specific procedure performed. For example, more extensive surgeries such as body contouring procedures – such as a tummy tuck – may require additional attention to wound care, compression garment usage and monitoring for potential complications like seroma or hematoma formation.”
It is essential to recognize that the intensity and duration of postoperative care may vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Dr Singer will be able to provide a thorough postop care routine, which you should follow.
Recommended ingredients and products
To enhance the results of plastic surgery procedures, incorporating the right ingredients and products into your at-home skincare routine is crucial.
It is recommended to always use medical-grade skincare twice daily, including sunscreen, antioxidants and retinol. This maintains a healthy skin barrier and good skin health, which is the foundation and maintains the great results you’ll have from surgery.
At your postop visit, once your stitches are removed, it is crucial to begin delicately using a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing motions, as this can irritate the skin and interfere with the healing process.
Following any plastic surgery procedure, women and men in their 50s and 60s may experience specific skin concerns and conditions that require attention and targeted care–particularly dryness.
Hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizers that contain peptides and ceramides, are a great addition to post operative skin care. These ingredients are known for their ability to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its moisture retention, providing relief from dryness.
Additionally, women and men in this age group may start to experience more blemishes and acne. Adding exfoliants such as glycolic or lactic acid and/or a salicylic acid for sebum control as well as a retinol can help with these breakouts.
Regular moisturization is also crucial for maintaining the skin’s health and promoting healing.
And finally, sunscreen is vital for everyone, regardless of weather conditions or indoor activities, but especially for women and men who have just undergone a procedure such as a Blepharoplasty or other cosmetic surgery.
Everyone should be putting on daily sunscreen, rain or shine, even if they are staying indoors. SPF should be 30 or higher and broad spectrum. Additionally, it is beneficial to use a vitamin C product – this will help repair UV damage and neutralize free radicals, meaning it will decrease inflammation in the skin, as well as improve skin brightness. Finally, retinol should be used starting in your 20s and 30s to improve fine lines, pigmentation, acne and build collagen.
In terms of scar management, silicone-based products have long been recognized for their efficacy. One significant benefit of silicone sheets and gels is their ability to improve the appearance of scars by reducing their size, thickness, redness and overall visibility.
These products create a protective barrier over the scar, hydrating the skin and maintaining optimal moisture levels. This can minimize scar tissue formation and create a more favorable environment for healing.
Other lifestyle factors and habits for optimal results
In addition to skincare treatments, certain lifestyle factors significantly contribute to the effectiveness of plastic surgery procedures and the overall health of the skin.
“Every patient varies, but on the whole, the healthier you are, the easier your recovery will be. First and foremost, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial. A diet rich in essential nutrients will support skin health and overall well-being.
Quality sleep plays a crucial role in the body’s healing processes, including the regeneration of skin cells. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates cells, including skin cells. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to optimize the body’s healing processes and promote a rejuvenated complexion.
To optimize the results of plastic surgery procedures, it is crucial to avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Smoking can have detrimental effects on the skin, impairing blood flow and decreasing collagen production. Excessive alcohol intake can dehydrate the skin and compromise its integrity. By refraining from smoking and moderating alcohol consumption, you can support healthy skin and optimize the results of your plastic surgery procedure.
Emerging trends and advancements in at-home skincare
As the field of skincare continues to evolve, it is still important to prioritize results over trends and seek guidance from medical professionals throughout the process.
The most important thing is skincare should be medical-grade and you should be consistent. This is a lifestyle change. Any treatments, such as microdermabrasion, should be done by a medical professional rather than at home. There are always new trendy ingredients, however, always consult with your plastic surgeon, Dr. Singer.
Dr Singer also advocates for a science-backed and solution-oriented approach to skincare. Rather than following skincare trends or fads, she recommends focusing on high-efficacy products that have undergone rigorous clinical research.
While exploring emerging trends and advancements in at-home skincare, it is essential to approach new ingredients and treatments with caution. Consulting with a plastic surgeon like Dr Singer is crucial to ensure that these trends align with individual needs and are compatible with the results of plastic surgery procedures. Expert advice will help navigate the vast array of options and make informed decisions that promote the long-term health and appearance of the skin.
