Sun Exposure After Facial Plastic Surgery
Undergoing facial cosmetic surgery can help you look years younger and far more refreshed. Dr. William C. Cohen has helped countless patients in Orange and Placentia, CA achieve their aesthetic goals and look their best. A big part of that is offering guidance with regard to the recovery process.
One of the most important things a patient can do while healing is avoid sun exposure. The team at Advanced ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery would like to consider the effects of the sun on your skin while healing from surgery.
The Impact of Sun Damage on Your Skin
While getting a little bit of sun id great for your mood and sense of well-being, too much sun is never a good thing. Excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, deepening of wrinkles and lines, and discoloration of the skin. Many people experience premature signs of aging due to excessive sun exposure. There is also the risk of skin cancer to consider.
These matters are more pronounced for people who have undergone facial plastic surgery.
How Sun Exposure Negatively Affects Surgical Results
Sun exposure can negatively affect healing after facial plastic surgery in a few key ways:
- Worse Swelling and Inflammation - Excessive sun exposure and heat exposure can lead to worse issues with swelling and inflammation after your surgery has been performed. This can impede the healing process and increase the risk of serious side effects and complications.
- Greater Susceptibility to Sunburn - In the first few weeks after surgery, patients will be far more susceptible to sunburn that they normally would be. If the incision sites become sunburned, that can lead to serious scar tissue discoloration.
- Makes Scars More Visible - Even if you do not suffer from sunburn, sun exposure can still cause uneven pigmentation and discoloration of scar tissue. This means more visible scars even years after your surgery was performed.
Protecting Your Skin During Surgical Recovery
To protect yourself from the damage caused by the sun and to improve your surgical experience, we recommend the following:
- Try to Stay Out of the Sun - While you’re healing from surgery, rest is a priority. You should do your best to stay indoors and out of the sun to avoid adverse side effects and complications.
- Wear a Hat or Visor - A hat with a brim or a visor will help keep the sun off your face. When you do go outdoors, wear a hat to keep your face shaded and protected from UV rays.
- Wear Sunglasses Outdoors - Sunglasses protect your eyes and the area around your eyes from the effects of the sun. Be sure to wear sunglasses when you are outside.
- Use Sunblock - Your skin can get damaged by the sun on sunny days as well as overcast days. Be sure to wear sunblock whenever you are outside just to be safe.
Long-Term Sun Protection Tips to Prevent Advanced Aging
Keep in mind that the tips above aren’t just a good idea while you’re recovering from surgery. You should continue to wear sunblock, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses whenever you’re out in the sun. This can keep you looking youthful for many years to come.
Learn More About Looking Your Best
If you would like more information about maintaining the results of plastic surgery for as long as possible, be sure to contact a cosmetic skin care specialist and facial plastic surgeon. You can reach Advanced ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery in Orange by calling (714) 628-1313 and in Placentia by calling (714) 203-1320.