Facelift surgery has become a widely accepted way to improve the overall appearance of the face, neckline and jaw. Many patients decide to undergo facelift surgery as a way to slow down the effects of the aging process and/or weight loss. Yes, weight loss is very important for your health but can result in extra skin in the neck area. As with any surgery, it’s natural to be nervous before such a procedure, but if you let that nervousness and stress overcome you, it can also affect the way you recover from your surgery.
During your initial consultation it’s best to discuss your goals, learn about the surgical options that are available to you, and ask any and all questions that you may have. Being well informed and confident in your decision to have a facelift will go a long way in alleviating your anxiety post surgery.
If surgeons do not optimize modern day surgical techniques, a facelift surgery can result in an extended period of recovery. There are methods that a surgeon can utilize during the facelift procedure to help reduce the recovery period. If there is less bleeding during the facelift procedure, the recovery period should be less. Even if there is less bleeding during surgery, it is important that patients follow any post surgery instructions from their doctor and alert their office if any concerns or questions arise.
It is also important to have the support of family and friends. Post-operative depression is common with any surgery, with symptoms mirroring that of post partum depression. If you have a predisposition to anxiety and depression, chances are you will experience some emotional changes after getting a facelift. Remember, a facelift is a surgical procedure that, while very safe, does place your body under duress. Adding additional stress during the weeks immediately following the operation can slow the healing process and even prolong your discomfort. While some stress cannot be avoided, don’t allow worries about the surgery or how you will look after recovery to affect your body’s ability to heal.
How Stress Impacts Surgical Healing
Stress changes the way the body heals. When in stressful situations, your body releases hormones and adds fat to your body. With these changes comes an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke as well as an extra burden on the immune system that can make you more susceptible to illness and infection. In addition to these direct effects of stress, you might find yourself engaging in unhealthy coping strategies such as overeating or abuse of alcohol in order to medicate yourself. As your body attempts to guard itself against the results of these behaviors, it has fewer resources to devote to your post-facelift surgery healing.
Stress often comes from feelings of fear and helplessness after an injury or an operation. So, how can you reduce this type of stress? Dr. Kulick and his caring staff are available for you every step of the way throughout your recovery to minimize your stress level and give you the support you need. Your decision to have cosmetic surgery is not just about the changes of the extra skin on your face.
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
