Even though it can be tempting to begin enjoying the summer sunshine with your new look, sun exposure following a facelift or other plastic surgery procedures can hinder your body’s healing process and may even interfere with the quality of your results. So before you head for the pool this summer, make sure you’ve got your sun protection bases covered.
1. Limit Your Time in the Sun
While it might be difficult or even impossible to completely avoid sun exposure altogether, try to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors while your body is recovering. It’s also a good idea to avoid midday sun, between the hours of about noon and 2:00 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest.
2. Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
If you do go out in the sun, arm yourself with layers of clothing and other accessories that can help to shade your skin from too much UV light. Wearing a wide-brimmed sunhat (without a lot of holes) will keep your face out of direct sunlight while outside. And don’t forget your sunglasses, either, to keep your eyes protected as well.
3. Use High SPF Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is important anytime you head out in the sun, but it’s especially vital when you’re recovering from plastic surgery. UV rays can weaken your body’s immune system, hindering your ability to smoothly and effectively recover from your facelift. Keeping all of your skin, not just your face, protected from the sun can have a huge impact on your healing process and help you get the most out of your facelift.
Providing patients with plastic surgery and non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Rand uses his medical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients. Dr. Rand is constantly driven by the unique challenges of plastic surgery, a field that seamlessly blends artistry and medical science.
