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.

Usually 2 - 3 weeks after facial rejuvenation surgery, the patient may begin using sunscreen again daily. 

I advise my patients to avoid the sun entirely if possible for the first 6 months following surgery. After 2 weeks, sunscreen can be used to protect your skin from any sun exposure that may take place, and it should be applied liberally. A large hat is also a great option to protect your skin from the sun. In general, any mineral based, chemical free sun protection that contains zinc and/or titanium dioxide will usually be non irritating, water resistant, and will not run.  we carry "Solar Protection Formula" spf 58 or spf 35. I would recommend speaking with your dermatologist regarding the best sunscreen for your skin type. Thank you and I hope this helps!

Many patients are rightfully concerned about what they can do to protect and preserve the results of facial surgery.  Preventing further sun damage with sunscreen is definately recommended. Once the incisions are healed at the surface (on average 3 days to 2 weeks, if no healing problems), it is safe to apply sunscreen to the skin.  You may need to wait a bit longer if you have had laser resurfacing or a chemical peel with your facelift.  A good skin care regimen including prescription strength Retin A, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, and topical L-Ascobic Acid (Vitamin C) are also very helpful.  Best of luck and congratulations on an excellent outcome!

Thank you for your question. It is important to use sunscreen after a facelift to protect the skin and maintain the results. I advise patients to resume their sunscreen use 2 weeks after surgery. In the first 2 weeks after surgery, I prefer to have patients avoid the sun, as the heat from the sun can create additional and unwanted swelling.

After 2 weeks, I would resume the sunscreen that you are currently using. It is a quality product and should provide reasonable protection. Remember to re-apply every couple of hours.

Best of luck and enjoy your refreshed face.

Jeff Rockmore

You can start using sunscreen one week after a facelift. Prior to that use a visor or hat if you go out. The sunscreens can irritate the incision lines so make sure you are using a high quality sunscreen. If you feel any irritation then switch immediately. I love the PCA moisturizing sunscreens.

Regards

Dr. J

 

Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

It is recommended to use sunscreen after surgery to areas of the face or body that are exposed to sun.  The reason for this is that sun exposure to the scars will prolong the redness and could lead to discoloration.  It is fine to put sunscreen directly on the incision lines, but in reality, you should also be using it all over your face.  The particular brand of sunscreen is not as important as using one that has both UVA and UVB protection.  The one you used before your surgery would be fine, but I would even recommend using one with an SPF of 45 or higher to give you more protection.    

Sunscreen is critical for your health as well as your appearance.  Following surgery, your skin may temporarily lose its normal ability to respond to sun exposure and sun damage.  Until the wounds are all closed completely, about 3 weeks, I encourage my patients to avoid the sun completely as I don't want the particles in the sunscreen to get into and irritate the wounds.  During this period of time, I encourage a lot of indoor activity rather than outdoor activity, and when outdoors I insist on a wide brimmed hat and preferably a scarf.

After 3 weeks, sunscreen is fine, but I recommend a zinc based product for sun blockage rather than a chemical based product- the zinc is completely topical and therefore chemical absorption is lessened.  We use SkinWithin products but there are many good zinc based sunscreens available- ask your surgeon what he or she recommends.