 |
|
 |
 |
|
Ask a Plastic Surgeon / Face Lift
Question 2
Question: I am having a facelift in a month. What can I do to heal faster?
Response: There are a number of "tricks" that can decrease bruising and swelling after surgery. First, stop smoking and work on a healthy diet. Two weeks before surgery, stop aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc) and all over the counter pain medications except Tylenol (acetaminophen). Also two weeks prior to surgery discontinue all herbal supplements that can cause problems See Instructions regarding herbal supplements. I recommend protein loading before and after surgery to help keep swelling down. Start a Vitamin K cream and Arnica Montana (I prefer the tablet to the cream) prior to surgery. Deficiencies in some vitamins can slow healing. I most commonly see a deficiency in zinc. Starting a multivitamin a couple weeks prior to surgery is a great idea. Zinc is found in fortified cereals, meats and legumes. A Vitamin C supplement will help ensure collagen production is optimized. After surgery, keep the head elevated and ice the face regularly. Eating fresh pineapple (which contains the enzyme Bromelain) will help reduce bruising. Another homeopathic supplement to decrease bruising, Quercetin, is found in fresh apples and onions. And yes, these little tricks will work with other types of procedures as well.
Response: 6-5-2006; Catherine P. Winslow, MD, Carmel, IN Dr. Winslow's web site
Add A Comment
|
MedLawPlus.com® --
Plastic Surgeons Give Online Price Proposals
|
DISCLAIMER
|
|
The above is provided for informational purposes only and is NOT to be relied upon as medical advice nor does it come with any warranties or assurances of accuracy. No doctor-patient relationship is established with MedLawPlus.com, Inc. nor any doctor authoring information appearing herein through user interaction with this site.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
