How to Preserve Your Plastic Surgery As You Age

Bloomfield Hills, MI – Plastic surgery is a rapidly growing field; there are millions of procedures performed annually in the U.S. alone. But as most techniques have been established just in the past 50 years, effects down the line may still be uncertain for many who’ve gone under the knife.

How can you best maintain the work you’ve had done? Detroit-area plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali gives his take. “First things first: You should really do your homework when choosing a surgeon. Is he or she board-certified? Experienced? Easily accessible? Patient when answering your questions? What follow-up work, if any, will you need? What is the long-term outlook for your procedure?” Assuming you’ve already had surgery, read on to see what you can do and expect in the years to come.

Talk with Your Doctor

Depending on what you’ve had done, be sure you know how long the results are expected to last. Dr. Ali explains, “Gravity and time always take their tolls on everyone. Be sure you have a long-term care plan to determine what steps you want to take when inevitable changes happen. Ask your surgeon what to expect, and how to best deal with the aftermath of your procedure. For example, facelifts can easily be augmented later on with fillers.”

Results Vary by Type

Just as each patient is unique, so is each plastic surgery procedure. Breast implants typically last 10-20 years, depending on the materials used and the specific location of the insertions. A properly done rhinoplasty (nose job) should last a lifetime, though the skin on the nose still needs to be taken care of. After a facelift, touch-ups are common after about 7-10 years. Your outcome will depend on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and the type of procedures done.

Care for Yourself Properly

Whether you’ve had breast augmentation, a facelift, liposuction, or other work, it’s crucial to take care of yourself after surgery. “Though it sounds cliché, it really is important to eat well, drink lots of water, and exercise when you’ve recovered from your procedure,” advises Dr. Ali.

Many people assume liposuction is a permanent fix, but it requires maintenance. “After liposuction of the abdomen or thighs, it’s not uncommon for patients to gain weight elsewhere, like the arms or back,” Dr. Ali notes. “It’s best to consult with your surgeon about post-care plans, in order to keep your new self in the best shape possible. Good skin care and weight regulation go a long way in post-surgery preservation.” Keeping your weight stable after fat-reducing surgeries can prevent further stretching and sagging; it will allow your skin to stay elastic and healthy for a long time to come.

Smoking has a detrimental effect on the body, and can even cancel some of the benefits of cosmetic surgery. For smokers, the skin won’t heal as well, and cells will have difficulty repairing themselves in the presence of nicotine. Quitting smoking can dramatically increase the positive results of any procedure.

Your amount of exposure to the sun is another way to change the outcome of your surgery—for better or worse. Using sunscreen and covering exposed areas with clothing can keep your skin in great shape for years to come. You’ll help to avoid extra marks, burns and other abnormalities by limiting your time in the sun.

Adequate sleep is also key. “People sometimes underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Ali, “but it is critical to recovery. By resting and sleeping well, you’re absolutely helping your body heal and restore itself. Basically, just make sure you take care of yourself as much as possible.”

To find out more about the long-term effects of plastic surgery, or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Ali at Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Detroit, Michigan today!

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