What are the general guidelines for using sunscreen after a facelift/eyes?

     Facelift incisions should be healed without any open areas or crusting.  I typically allow sunscreen (at least SPF 30) about 3 weeks after surgery.  I prefer patients use a hat or avoid the sun the first three weeks.

Hello! Thank you for your question! After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. As the tissue was elevated off of your face along with any other adjunct procedures, minimizing trauma to the area is critical for such a delicate procedure as the facelift. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on. Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

It is very important to use sunscreen over fresh surgical scars.  The healing tissue can preferentially absorb sunlight and quickly darken, often permanently.  Reapplication of sunscreen with UV-A,B,C protection is important.  Check with your surgeon about timing after surgery.