When Can I Go To The Beach After My Facelift?
Thinking of spending time off at a warm and sunny destination, but you have just had a facelift? Many patients at the European Institute of Plastic Surgery in Cyprus, Greece and Malta ask us how long after facelift surgery they will be able to go swimming and sunbathing. This article discusses what to expect after a facelift and how sunlight can affect the recovery process.
Facelift Long-Term Results
Our face is the first thing someone sees when looking at us and plays an important role in physical attractiveness. But as we grow older, the face loses its volume and elasticity, bringing about folds, wrinkles and skin sagging.
Women and men who want to improve the signs of aging on their face and neck and restore their fresh, youthful look, often decide to undergo a facelift cosmetic surgery (rhytidectomy).
Facelift results are long-lasting, with patients looking at least 10 years younger. The more experienced the plastic surgeon is, the more natural-looking and successful the facelift results will be. Overall, the benefits of having a facelift include:
- Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
- Improved skin quality and tone
- Cheeks become smoother and round
- Defined neck & jowls
- Deep folds between cheeks and mouth become smoother
Facelift In The Short-Term
We know that most of you want to look good in the summer, and that’s a strong reason to opt for plastic surgery. Apart from facelifts, other popular plastic surgeries before the “sea and sun” season are breast augmentation, liposuction, and body contouring.
No matter the type of cosmetic procedure you will go for, the effects of sunlight on plastic surgery scars can be damaging. Extensive sun exposure can make scars bigger and harder, and cause skin discoloration or even a skin burn, as the surgical incisions sites are extremely vulnerable in the first months after surgery.
As with any other plastic surgery wounds, facelift wounds are susceptible to UVA and UVB sun rays. For this reason, it’s critical to use sunblock every day, even after the suggested recovery time, to prevent hyperpigmentation, sunburns and deep red scars.
After a facelift, it is essential to allow yourself to relax at home, because resting helps scars to heal better and faster. Dr. Stavrou instructs his patients to protect their facelift incisions from sunlight for at least six weeks after surgery.
After that time, you can go to the beach with plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face and with your scars covered until they are fully healed. We know that waiting can be hard when you want to show off your rejuvenated face, but it is definitely worth the wait.
Read more details about the healing & recovery time of facelift.
Swimming After Facelift Surgery
Swimming can cause a serious threat to freshly-made incisions. Seawater harbors trillions of bacteria and other dangerous microorganisms that can become life-threatening if they enter our body or bloodstream through the open wound or sore of the incision site.
For this reason, make sure you attend your follow-up appointment with your doctor and discuss all your concerns and questions. Do not risk your facelift results or your health for a few hours swimming in the sea!
Planning Your Facelift With The Accredited Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stavrou
Learn more about the potentially harmful effects of sunlight on facelift results and discuss how to best protect your scars and health with board-certified plastic surgeon in Nicosia, Limassol, Athens, and Sliema, Dr. Demetris Stavrou (MD, MSc, EBOPRAS, ASPS).
Dr. Stavrou has extensive experience in facial surgery and an artistic eye. He uses cutting-edge surgical technology and advanced facelift techniques to rejuvenate your face and make you look at least 10 years younger. He will advise you on when it is best to undergo a facelift in Cyprus and ensure that you feel comfortable, confident and secure before and after the procedure.
Dr Stavrou is a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with a keen interest in informing patients about the latest updates on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
- University of Athens Medical School
- Residency in Plastic Surgery at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift
- Chin Augmentation
- Facelift
- Facial Cancer Treatment
- Neck Lift
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
