October 2019

iStock 1146823928 669x272 1

Let’s Roll Out the Lasers!

We aren’t brought up to understand the vital role our skin plays in our appearance and overall well-being. It’s fascinating to even think of the skin being the body’s largest organ! Because it is constantly exposed to both internal and external stressors, the skin can fall short of displaying the true vitality we feel on the inside. We know this as the various signs of aging that occur at some point. While we used to rely solely on surgical procedures to refresh the face, there are now numerous other options. Laser treatment is one of them.

New research from Johns Hopkins physicians demonstrates that laser treatments provide a natural pathway toward tissue regeneration by creating a small amount of controlled damage in the epidermis and dermis. This damage stimulates change at a cellular level, creating new processes for the skin to refresh itself. This particular bit of research confirms why laser treatments are so efficient at correcting problems like tissue laxity, sunspots and other pigment concerns, fine lines, deep creases, and textural irregularities.

In our Denver medical spa and plastic surgery office lasers fill an important role in helping our patients manage their aging process gracefully. If the concerns we’ve mentioned are a problem for you or you simply want to postpone cosmetic aging as long as possible, now is a great time to begin laser treatments of your own. The timing couldn’t be better because:

Collagen remodeling takes time.

We may be fortunate enough to enjoy sunny days throughout the year, but the dropping temperatures may cause us to be more drawn to indoor activities for a few months.

Scheduling laser treatments over the wintertime means that, come Spring, your skin will have a more radiant glow and also more resiliency to face the time when outdoor activities come calling.

Laser treatments like limited sun exposure.

Staying indoors is not an absolute must after laser treatments. The devices that are commonly used today are much gentler on the skin; they do not obliterate multiple layers of tissue in one fell swoop. That being said, sun exposure is one of the primary factors that contribute to the signs of aging. UV light degrades collagen and elastin, two vital chemicals that keep the skin firm and supple. After laser treatments, when the body is flooding tissue with new collagen and elastin, it’s best to not fight against it by spending days in the sun.

We’ve got several laser and light treatments to complement cosmetic surgery or use as an alternative to surgical lifts. To learn more about our devices and which may be ideal for you, call (303) 839-1616.

iStock 948998984 669x272 1

When Can I Get Back to My Normal Routine After a Facelift?

Although we’ve got a plethora of dermal fillers, laser and light therapies, and other modalities at our fingertips these days, the facelift has not been replaced. For many people, the time comes when problems like jowls and nasolabial folds are too much to look at anymore. A facelift can correct these and other concerns in a way that nonsurgical treatments can’t. So the question of when is sometimes more related to “when is the best time to schedule my facelift?” Here, we discuss recovery and the timing of returning to work and other normal activities.

What is facelift recovery like?

For the first 24 to 48 hours after facelift surgery, most patients are quite fatigued. Sleepiness stems from a combination of physical stress (a natural byproduct of surgery) and prescription pain medication. During this time, it is important that an adult caregiver is present at all times. This person will help administer medication, serve food, and provide assistance to and from the bathroom. After 1 to 3 days, most patients can switch from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief.

Due to fatigue and early side effects, patients are encouraged to rest as much as necessary for the first 3 to 4 days after surgery. Driving is not allowed until prescription pain medication is no longer being taken. patients should also resume driving only after it is comfortable to turn their head enough to operate a vehicle safely. For the first 3 weeks of recovery, activity must be no more strenuous than walking.

Pain subsides to soreness, numbness, and a tight sensation within a day or two. These side effects can last for weeks. Bruising and swelling typically peak by Day 5 before gradually improving over 2 to 4 weeks to a point of being undetectable.

Returning to Work

Once it is safe to drive, the question about returning to work revolves around strenuous activity and personal comfort. Most patients with a desk job are back to work in 10 to 14 days after their procedure. At this time, scars from incisions will still be pink but can be disguised with makeup. Patients should also be aware of their energy level and gauge their return to full-day activities based on their recovery.

A facelift can be a life-changing decision. To learn more about this procedure, call our Denver office at (303) 839-1616.

READY TO TALK?

Contact Us

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

COME VISIT US IN

Denver

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top