From a minor lift of the skin around the eyes to a more involved facelift procedure, cosmetic enhancements are popular options for reducing wrinkles and improving the look of your face. While effective, these procedures are invasive surgeries that will require ample recovery time. Considering your face will be swollen, red, and bruised for up to 10 to 14 days after a facelift procedure, finding ways to reduce this discomfort is key. Fortunately, you do not have to use harmful prescription medications to reduce swelling and pain after your surgery. Using these natural options, you can reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort after your facelift.
Compress
Centered on the use of various forms of water, hydrotherapy is an effective option for reducing swelling and easing inflammation. Soaking in a tub filled with warm water, taking a hot shower, or using an ice pack are all forms of this holistic treatment. To reduce the swelling and inflammation after your facelift surgery, consider using a cold compress as your preferred means of hydrotherapy.
Visit your local drug store or ask your cosmetic surgeon for an ice mask, which is designed to wear on the skin around your eyes. However, you can still apply the ice mask to other areas of your face. Hold the mask on your face for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the ice to contract and constrict blood vessels. This will not only numb your discomfort, but also decrease swelling.
If you do not have access to an ice mask, wrap a few cubes of ice in a cloth and hold it on your face for a few minutes. You can also use a bag of frozen peas or beans as a cold compress.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
MLD, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage, is a form of massage used to increase the flow of lymph through the body. Lymph fluid is an imperative part of a healthy immune system, since it helps your body heal after an illness, injury, or surgery.
After your facelift surgery, a licensed massage technician will use their hands to gently, yet firmly, massage your face and neck. The massage motions will follow the flow of your lymphatic system, increasing your production of lymph fluid while decreasing swelling and inflammation.
Supplements
Following a well-balanced diet is important for your physical health, but it is also essential for healing in an efficient, effective manner after surgery. Unfortunately, you may not consume sufficient amounts of important vitamins and minerals, so consider adding a few key supplements to your daily diet. Here are a few supplements that can aid in your recovery after your facelift surgery:
- Arnica – Made from the Alpine plant, or Mountain Daisy, Arnica is proven to reduce the swelling, bruising, and discomfort after an injury or surgical procedure. It is available in different forms, ranging from an oral supplement to a topical cream. Avoid using the topical cream on or around your incisions, since this may irritate the skin. After your facelift surgery, take 200 mg of Arnica every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days to reduce pain and swelling.
- Bromelain – Bromelain is also a smart supplement to take after your facelift. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this supplement will decrease your swelling and discomfort while helping you heal in a more efficient manner. To use, eat more pineapple, which is a great source of bromelain. Or, take 500 mg of a bromelain supplement, 4 times a day after your surgery.
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common after facelift surgeries, but you can ease your pain in a natural manner. Using these natural options and the help of your cosmetic surgeon, you can reduce swelling and inflammation to ensure a more efficient recovery.
Visit a site like http://www.myplasticsurgerygroup.com for more information.
