Even though the facelift surgery only takes a couple of hours, every individual heals differently, and the recovery part may be more uncomfortable than expected. Many experience redness, itching, and even swelling, so a face massage after a facelift may be the best alternative to help the healing process. Keep reading to discover how to massage face after facelift for the best results.
Facelifts have been very popular for many years due to their ability to restore your skin’s youthful appearance. But after the doctor performs the facelift surgery, the patient might likely experience some symptoms like inflammation and discoloration around the incision sites.
These symptoms are normal during the healing process after a facelift. But there are some ways of minimizing discomfort and decreasing swelling that may speed up the recovery. One of them is a facial massage.
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How To Massage Face After Facelift?
Wondering how to massage face after facelift and what method works best for your skin? Many patients opt for a professional massage such as lymphatic drainage. But if you are still not ready for lymphatic drainage, you can try a few home approaches you can effectively perform after facelift surgery.
Before massaging the face for post-facelift recovery, every wound should be closed and healed. Fresh incisions that haven’t fully healed may undergo tearing and infection if you massage them right away.
Not only should you press your face with a light touch, but you should also use a moisturizing oil while massaging face after facelift. This prevents your fingers from tugging on the skin and causing friction which may lead to increased pain and enhanced bruising.
The Role of Facial Massage In Facelift Recovery
Most patients return to normal routines a few weeks after a facelift. But, they might still have bruising and swelling around the incision sites. Gentle massages and cold compressions might help during these sensitive times.
Massaging the face for post-lift recovery may be very beneficial for the skin if done right. But you need to drink lots of fluids before and after getting a facial massage. Also, you need to stay active and keep your head elevated during sleep to improve blood flow.
A facial massage won’t help your face relax if you don’t follow the doctor’s recommendations. These include avoiding alcohol, smoking, and lifting heavy weights. They might cause your pain levels to increase after facelift surgery.
Proper postoperative facial massage methods come with certain advantages. They might make the recovery process easier and more comfortable for the patient.
Reduces swelling
The most common symptom after a facelift is swelling, which can last from a couple of days to a week. Many patients try gentle face massage following facelift surgery to reduce it and stimulate the immune system.
Improves blood circulation
Facial massages may improve blood circulation. They enhance the distribution of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. You might need only 15 minutes of your day to massage your face after a facelift, getting rid of the stiffness.
Removes excess fluid
Excess fluid might build up in your face after a facelift. Thus, doctors might recommend massaging your face to stimulate the lymph vessels to remove the toxins stuck under your skin and help your face heal faster.
Decreases pain
Most patients who experience pain after a facelift take painkillers. But even after taking medication, you might still feel a sore discomfort in your face. Thus, ensure your hands are not cold when massaging your face to decrease pain and boost blood flow.
Minimizes wrinkles
The reason why most people get a facelift is to look younger and rejuvenated. But facial massages may help your skin heal properly without the possibility of new wrinkles or age spots appearing on your face. A light massage after a facelift might minimize facial tension and smooth fine lines.
Consulting With a Surgeon Before Starting Facial Massages
Patients should consult a doctor before getting a facelift to review their medical history and determine whether they are ready for it. Thus, there is no reason why they shouldn’t consult their surgeon before starting facial massages.
Doctors know when is the appropriate and safe time to start massaging your face after you’ve done a facelift. They might also recommend some tips on how to massage face after facelift to ensure your skin is progressing well and headed towards healing.
A surgeon may encourage patients to start gently massaging their skin. But he is also qualified to present the drawbacks of improper acupressure. Thus, consider every piece of advice a medical professional gives before attempting to give yourself a facial massage.
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Recommended Timeframe For Initiating Massages after Surgery
You can perform facial massages after the wound on your skin is closed and healed to prevent every light pressure from causing pain. The healing process is not identical for all patients. Some might be able to get facial massages weeks after a facelift.
Others who have more scars after a facelift may be required to wait more than a month. Even though it may take more time for the wounds to heal, many are willing to sacrifice temporary discomfort for permanent satisfaction.
You can’t rush the recovery and timeframe for initiating massages after a facelift. Instead, prioritize healing and take as much time off as you need to feel comfortable in your skin after the surgery.
Gentle Massage Techniques For Promoting Blood Circulation and Reducing Swelling
The most important thing to remember before massaging your face after a facelift is to wash your hands. This practice prevents any bacteria from getting on your skin. But the way you massage your face may also contribute to faster healing and enhancing relaxation.
To help you massage your face after the initial stages of the surgery recovery have passed, we present some facial massage techniques after a facelift.
Direction tips
Start massaging your face from the center of the forehead and going upward toward your hairline. Then, use your fingers to massage the middle of the forehead toward your nose and toward your temples.
Remember to avoid skin pulling and stretching as you go down to your cheeks and jawline. Also, don’t apply too much pressure because your face is still sensitive after a facelift.
Light pressure
Before massaging your face, ensure you moisturize it well to prevent friction and vigorous skin tugging. Then, use your fingertips to lightly massage your face applying gentle pressure from your forehead to your neck.
Rotating motions
Doctors often recommend performing facial massages in rotation motions, especially around the forehead. They advise focusing on the area above your eyebrows to enhance blood circulation. Use the same method to massage the other areas on your face.
Upward massaging
To help achieve the lifting effect after a facelift, you can help your face relax by using upward and gentle movements. This technique might also help your face absorb the moisturizer and become softer.
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Areas To Avoid or Approach with Caution During Facial Massage
The eye and lip areas on the face are the most sensitive. Thus, they should be cautiously approached to stay soft and healthy-looking during facelift recovery.
Some surgeons may recommend avoiding pressure on the eyes and lips during massage. The skin around these areas is thinner when compared to the other face skin. One hard press might cause additional problems to the already uncomfortable post-op condition.
Follow the below-mentioned massage tips for the eyes and lips to reduce puffiness that can commonly appear after facelift surgery.
Eyes
With your fingertips, lightly pull the corners of your eyes. Move the skin in circular motions, similar to applying eye cream every night before going to bed. Some patients get dark circles under their eyes after a facelift. So you might need to massage the undereye area frequently rather than focusing on the eyelids.
Lips
Facial massages can have anti-aging benefits for the face after a facelift, like tightening the sagging skin that forms around the mouth. Massage your lips by using two fingers, making upward movements over the entire area. Ensure your lips are properly moisturized before massaging to prevent over-stretching your skin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I massage facelift scars?
Facial massages after getting a facelift surgery are beneficial for speeding the healing process. A gentle-movement massage can improve blood circulation. It may also reduce the appearance of scars by making the skin softer and less tense.
How often should I massage my face after a facelift?
Not only should you know how to massage face after facelift, but you should also learn how often you can massage your face on a daily basis. You can massage your face after a facelift for five to ten minutes at least thrice daily.
What are the side effects of facial massages?
The skin of some patients is extremely sensitive, and facial massages can cause inflammation. Massages after a facelift may be painful if performed too aggressively. Also, irritations and more bruises might appear on the skin due to excessive massage.