Best products after a facelift?

Question

heard about Skinmedica and Obagi but not sure what products I have to choose within each line? I'm 46. Thank you

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

All you need is an antibiotic ointment along the incisions for 1 week, and then a silicone gel scar cream.  Many of these expensive creams will show no additional benefit.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question. We generally suggest a range of products to use after a facelift, to maintain both the skin quality and texture after surgery. The choice of products will depend on what your skin type is. Skin types vary from oily, to dry to combination as basic categories. Based on this specific products are recommended. Overal product categories include a face wash, a sunscreen, a moisturizer, an antiageing product, antioxidant product, eye creams and neck creams. Based on all this information, we make suggestions of products- our preference are products sold from Skinceuticals.

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are many good products on the market including those you mentioned. A great physical block sunscreen with zinc and titanium is important to protect your skin and prevent the early signs of aging. Retin A and a good antioxidant are also important. Every patient is different and requires an individualized skincare program. Your plastic surgeon may have a skincare team that can get you started on a great program. If not, find a dermatology or plastic surgical practice in your area that can assist you with your skincare needs. Stay away from medi-spas and department stores that don't have an on-site medical director. Best of luck.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the great question! This is a frequently overlooked aspect of surgical facial rejuvenation. In my practice, we use the Obagi Nu-Derm system in most cases. I like to start the patients on this comprehensive regimen pre-op, and then continue post-op for a few months (at least). The main active ingredients are: 1) hydroquinone, which helps control pigmentation; 2) tretinoin, which helps your skin make collagen; and 3) zinc oxide, which is a physical blocking SPF. The key deciding factors will be your skin type (oily/dry), sensitivity, and degree of pigmentation. Best of luck moving forward!

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Good skin care is important as is sun protection, and there are a lot of good skin care lines out there. I'd sit down with a skin specialist and discuss your expectations and allow them to fully examine your skin and come up with a skin care plan. My personal opinion is that skin care is great for skin preservation, but it's like brushing your teeth. Alone, skin care isn't going to do anything dramatic, but it helps prevent problems from occurring in the future. If you really want to preserve your facelift result, I recommend considering broad band light (BBL) twice a year. Long term studies have shown that regular BBL treatments can preserve the appearance of the skin for over a decade. Adding the occasional Ultherapy treatment can help maintain the integrity of the deeper layer of the face.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we do not recommend any products after a facelift procedure. It's important to get through the entire  phases of healing rather than worry about skin care products. Anticipate two weeks of visible swelling and bruising, while the incisions take  3 to 4 months to settle in. For more information about facelifts and many before-and-after examples, please see the link and video below

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There is no one best product to use after a facelift, as people have different skin types and one product may work better than others for each patient.  I would say the most important product to use would be something for sun protection, as the sun can be one of the leading causes of aging skin.  Cigarette smoking also causes premature aging of the skin, so if you smoke, I would recommend quitting.  It would be best if you saw someone in person to determine what other types of products might be beneficial to you.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Medically sound skin care will help you to enjoy your facelift for a longer time, as long as you also limit sun exposure. You are listing a few skin care brands; names of products really do not matter, the active ingredients make the difference. I would consult with a medical esthetician knowledgeable about care after facial cosmetic surgery. She will help you find the appropriate regimen for your particular skin type.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Sherry, without knowing more details about your surgery its hard to give you any profound advice.  That being said, a good rule of thumb is that you need something to clean your face, something to moisturize, and something to provide treatment.  Depending on whether you had laser/peels, these may vary.  Each line has great products within it (great cleanser/toners, moisturizers, and vitamin C/or retinols) that can help you accomplish your goals and not only maintain, but slowly improve the quality of your skin.  This is a great compliment to your surgical procedure! Most patients often forget about skin care - I'm glad that you are being proactive about it.  Ask your doc what he has seen great success with.  Best of luck!

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

Both product lines you mention are very good.  The important 
issue is patient selection. Most practices have an aesthetician 
onsite that will review your options according to your surgeon 
recommendations. Best wishes.

Best products after a facelift?

Answers (17)

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