Tips for Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery

If you’re considering any sort of plastic surgery, winter can be a great time to get it done. Especially if you want to show off the results in the spring and summer months.
Plus, it’s much easier to hide the recovery process when the snow is flying and you’re bundled up in scarves, hats, and sweaters.
Yet, since plastic surgery can exacerbate skin sensitivity in the colder and drier months, you’ll want to pay extra attention to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
Focusing on Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
In a recent post, we talked about the importance of caring for your skin during the winter. But what about the best way to care for your skin after a plastic surgery procedure in the winter?
There are certainly some overlaps. For instance, drinking plenty of water and sticking with a healthy diet are crucial parts of holistic skincare.
Post-surgical skin, however, has additional needs in terms of maximizing recovery and minimizing the appearance of scars. The inherent chapping, dehydration, flaking, and tissue irregularity that comes with colder air and indoor heating can make this more challenging.
So what can you do to ensure you’ll get the best results?
1. Emphasize Hydration
When most people hear the word ‘hydration,’ they think only of internal hydration and drinking plenty of water. And yes, internal hydration is crucial. But during the cold and dry winter months, external hydration is also vital. Especially for sensitive post-surgical skin.
Maintaining necessary moisture levels in the skin is going to promote faster healing while reducing the risk of complications. Your surgeon may recommend you use ointment-type medications on suture lines to trap moisture. He/she may also advocate a layered hydration approach with specialized skincare that will provide an additional protective barrier.
2. Steer Clear of Certain Products
If you’re of a certain age, retinols may be a part of your regular skincare regimen. After surgery though, you’ll be advised to avoid retinols as they are very drying. Especially during the winter.
In addition, products that contain alcohol or fragrances can cause further dryness and irritation. Your surgeon will be able to point you to calming and nourishing products formulated for the special needs of post-surgical skin in the winter.
3. Avoid the Sun
This one might seem silly. Especially if you live in a northern climate without much in the way of winter sun. Yet, even if the sun doesn’t feel especially warm, or it’s trapped behind clouds, the harmful UV rays are still getting through to your skin. Particularly on your face.
Post-surgical skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation or other sun-related damage. So you’ll be advised to use a mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of least 30 rather than a chemical sunscreen that could further irritate your skin.
4. Stay Vigilant
Finally, one of the most important things you can do is regularly monitor your post-surgical skin for increased redness or swelling. This is another disadvantage of winter because it’s easy to ignore skin when it’s covered with clothing.
Early intervention is key to a smoother recovery though. So you don’t want to wait until you’re feeling pain or discomfort. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or changes in your skin and let your surgeon know immediately if you see anything so s/he can promptly address the issue.
Get the Most Out of Your Plastic Surgery This Winter
Sure, winter is as good a time to get plastic surgery as any. Sometimes, it’s the best time! Especially if you’re willing to attend to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
So if you’re ready to get that procedure you’ve been dreaming of, contact us today. During your free consultation, you’ll be counseled on what to expect and the best ways to ensure you’ll be ready to step into the spring/summer season with confidence.