After a facelift, sun exposure isn’t something to overlook, especially in the first few weeks. While it might feel harmless, your skin is in a much more vulnerable state after surgery, and even minimal exposure can interfere with how it heals.
The first few weeks are when swelling is at its peak, incisions are still settling, and the tissue underneath is actively repairing itself. This stage of recovery needs time, protection, and minimal environmental stress, including UV ray exposure.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why sun exposure can cause problems after a facelift, how it affects scar formation and skin healing, and what practical steps you can take to reduce the risk during early recovery.
What the first few weeks after a facelift typically involve
The early recovery period after a facelift involves quite a bit of rest and careful movement. In the first week or two, you’ll likely still have swelling, bruising, and possibly some tightness or numbness in certain areas.
The skin will also be more reactive to irritants like heat and wind, and UV exposure may feel more intense than usual. In particular, what would normally be a small amount of sun can cause a stronger response.
Why sun exposure can be harmful after surgery
After a facelift, the skin becomes much more reactive to external factors.
Sunlight, particularly UV radiation, can cause increased inflammation, slow down healing, and trigger pigmentation changes in healing skin. Even if you’re not lying directly in the sun, UV can still reach you through glass, during overcast weather, or through indirect reflection.
The skin around your incisions is especially vulnerable. In the first few weeks, these areas are still delicate, and any extra irritation, whether from heat, light, or pressure, can affect how well they close and fade.
UV exposure can make scars appear darker or more prominent with a process known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In the deeper layers of the skin, UV can also interfere with collagen formation – collagen is an important protein in the skin for rebuilding structure after surgery.
How to protect your face from the sun after facelift surgery
The simplest and most effective way to protect your face from the sun in those early weeks is to stay indoors as much as possible, especially during peak daylight hours. If you do need to go outside, you should ideally aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower, if possible.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is helpful, especially one that shields the sides of your face, neck and ears. However, even with a hat, you should still avoid direct sunlight. Sunglasses can also help shield the delicate eye area, which may be more prone to swelling and light sensitivity after surgery.
Sunscreen isn’t usually recommended in the first couple of weeks while the incisions are still healing, especially if the skin is broken or tender. However, once your surgeon says it’s okay, applying a high-SPF sunscreen will be very important. When it comes to the type of sunscreen, it should be a gentle formula, without fragrances or harsh ingredients.
In the longer term, continuing to protect the skin in the area with sunscreen will be the most important step in maintaining your results.
How long you should continue to avoid sun exposure for
Although the first few weeks are the most critical in terms of sun protection, it’s best to think about protecting your skin long-term. Most surgeons will recommend continuing to avoid direct sun for at least six weeks after a facelift, with careful use of sunscreen in the much longer term.
Scars, in particular, can take up to a year to fully mature, and they may continue to darken or change in response to sun exposure for several months. Since scars can be darkened with excessive UV ray exposure, it’s generally recommended to continue protecting the area from the sun long after the incisions have initially healed.
Essentially, when it comes to healing after a facelift, it’s helpful to avoid sun exposure for the first few weeks and sometimes up to six weeks, but it will always be important to follow steps like wearing sunscreen to protect your skin in general and support your results.
What to do if you have accidentally had excessive sun exposure in the first few weeks after your facelift
If you’ve accidentally been exposed to the sun in the first few weeks after your facelift, it’s important to closely monitor the area.
Look out for signs of increased redness, warmth, or any darkening around the incisions. You should also mention it to your surgeon at your next appointment, especially if you notice any changes in how your scars look or feel.
Sometimes, your surgeon may recommend using cold compresses to reduce any surface irritation, or they might advise you to start using a gentle sunscreen earlier than planned. Importantly, you should avoid applying any strong products to try and soothe the sun exposure, as your skin may be too sensitive to the formula after the procedure.
Ultimately, if you have any concerns or questions during your recovery from a facelift, you should always feel comfortable to contact your surgeon or their team.
Discuss your recovery plan after facelift surgery with Dr Hunt in Sydney
Planning your facelift surgery will also involve planning your recovery period. Having a set of personalised instructions that are refined to suit the details of your surgery will be essential to your healing.
When you’re ready to have a consultation, Dr Hunt can discuss all of the finer details of the procedure, including how to care for the facial tissue during recovery, minimise complications and support the results of the procedure.
For tailored advice, you are welcome to get in touch with our team to book your consultation at our Sydney location. After your procedure, you will also be able to contact our team if you have any questions or concerns about the healing process.
