Following facelift surgery, many patients are keen to resume their usual cosmetic routine. However, the timing and method of reintroducing makeup requires careful consideration to protect your healing skin and support optimal recovery outcomes.
At Face Plus Aesthetics, Dr Scott J Turner emphasises that post-operative care is an integral part of your surgical journey. This guide outlines when and how to safely return to wearing cosmetics after your procedure.
Table of contents
Understanding Your Skin During Recovery
The first several weeks following facelift surgery involve a complex healing process. Your skin and underlying tissues are actively repairing, making them particularly vulnerable during this period. Understanding why we recommend specific timelines helps patients appreciate the importance of following post-operative guidelines.
Healing Incisions and Infection Prevention
Fresh surgical incisions have not yet formed a complete protective barrier. Cosmetic products, even those used routinely before surgery, may contain bacteria or irritants that can interfere with wound healing or increase infection risk. Keeping incisions clean and free from cosmetic products during early recovery is essential.
Post-Operative Swelling (Oedema)
Swelling is a normal part of the healing response. The lymphatic system works to manage this fluid accumulation, and heavy or occlusive products may impede this natural drainage process and potentially prolong swelling duration.
Altered Skin Sensitivity
Surgery temporarily affects the nerves and disrupts the skin’s moisture barrier. Products that caused no issues previously may now trigger sensitivity reactions, redness, or contact irritation. This heightened sensitivity typically resolves as healing progresses.
Recovery Timeline for Makeup Use
Recovery timelines vary between individuals, and Dr Turner provides personalised guidance based on your specific healing progress. The following represents general guidelines for most patients.
Weeks 1–2: Complete Cosmetic Avoidance
During the initial fortnight, the surgical sites must remain free from all cosmetic products. Your only topical applications should be the prescribed ointments, cleansers, or wound care products provided by our clinical team.
During this phase, focus on:
- Following wound care instructions precisely
- Maintaining head elevation to reduce swelling
- Staying well-hydrated
- Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
Many patients find that by the end of this period, much of the visible bruising and swelling has begun to resolve, reducing the perceived need for concealing makeup.
Weeks 3–4: Careful Reintroduction
Once sutures have been removed and incisions have fully closed without scabbing, you may cautiously begin using mineral-based cosmetics. Key considerations during this transition include:
Product Selection
Pharmaceutical-grade mineral makeup is recommended during this phase. These formulations sit on the skin surface rather than absorbing into pores, providing a physical barrier whilst allowing the skin to function normally. Mineral products typically contain fewer potential irritants than conventional cosmetics.
Application Areas
Even when the skin appears healed, avoid applying products directly onto incision lines, which are typically positioned around the ears and within the hairline. These areas require additional time to mature fully.
Gentle Technique
Use clean brushes or applicators with light, patting motions rather than dragging or rubbing across the skin. The tissues remain somewhat fragile during this phase.
Week 6 and Beyond: Resuming Your Usual Routine
By approximately six weeks post-operatively, most patients can return to their standard cosmetic products and routine. However, this period presents an opportunity to evaluate your existing products. Consider discarding any cosmetics that have exceeded their recommended shelf life or that may have accumulated bacteria during storage.
The Importance of Proper Makeup Removal
How you remove cosmetics is equally important as how you apply them. Aggressive removal techniques can cause micro-trauma to healing tissues or place unnecessary tension on surgical sites.
Recommended Removal Method
A gentle two-step cleansing approach works well for post-surgical skin:
- Begin with an oil-based pre-cleanser to dissolve makeup without friction
- Follow with a gentle, pH-balanced cream or gel cleanser
Techniques to Avoid
- Rubbing or tugging at the skin
- Using abrasive washcloths, loofahs, or exfoliating tools
- Hot water, which can increase inflammation
- Harsh makeup wipes containing alcohol or fragrance
Drying Your Face
Always pat the skin dry using a clean, soft towel. Avoid any rubbing motions, particularly around incision areas.
Product Ingredients: What to Use and What to Avoid
Selecting appropriate products during recovery helps support skin health whilst minimising irritation risk.
Beneficial Ingredients
- Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: Physical sun protection agents with inherent anti-inflammatory properties
- Hyaluronic Acid: Supports the skin’s moisture barrier during the healing phase
- Niacinamide: A calming ingredient that may help reduce redness and improve skin texture
Ingredients to Avoid for at Least 3 Months
- Alcohol-based products: Common in setting sprays and certain foundations; can be excessively drying to healing skin
- Synthetic fragrances: A frequent cause of irritation and sensitivity reactions
- Retinoids and strong active ingredients: These should only be reintroduced with guidance from your surgical team
- Chemical exfoliants: Including AHAs and BHAs, which may be too aggressive for healing tissue
Additional Post-Operative Skincare Considerations
Sun Protection
Protecting healing skin from sun exposure is essential. Once incisions have healed sufficiently, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation of healing scars and compromise your overall results.
Timing for Cosmetic Injectables
Many patients maintain their surgical outcomes through periodic non-surgical treatments. Cosmetic injectables, facial fat grafting, laser treatments, or chemical peels should typically be delayed until 3–6 months post-operatively. Dr Turner can advise on appropriate timing based on your individual healing progress.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
If you notice any concerning changes after reintroducing cosmetics—such as increased redness, swelling, unusual discharge from incision sites, or signs of reaction—discontinue use immediately and contact our clinical team for guidance. For more information about potential post-operative concerns, visit our risks and complications resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear sunscreen in the first two weeks after surgery?
Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide may be applied to non-incision areas once any open wounds have healed, typically after the first week. However, the best sun protection during early recovery involves staying indoors during peak UV hours and wearing a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Avoid applying any products directly to incision lines until they have fully healed.
What about eye makeup after blepharoplasty combined with a facelift?
When facelift surgery is combined with eyelid surgery, eye makeup should be avoided for approximately two weeks following the procedure. Whether you have had upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, once sutures have been removed and healing is progressing well, you may carefully reintroduce eye cosmetics using fresh, clean products and gentle application techniques.
How soon can I have my hair coloured after surgery?
Hair colouring and chemical treatments should generally be avoided for at least 3–4 weeks post-operatively. The chemicals in hair dye can irritate healing scalp incisions, which are particularly relevant for procedures involving the hairline, such as facelift, brow lift, or hairline lowering. Discuss timing with our team at your follow-up appointment.
Should I purchase new makeup after surgery?
Whilst not mandatory, using fresh cosmetic products reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to healing skin. This is particularly relevant for products that contact incision areas or that have been in use for an extended period.
Your Recovery Support at Face Plus Aesthetics
Dr Turner and the clinical team at Face Plus Aesthetics remain available throughout your recovery to address questions and provide guidance. Detailed post-operative instructions are provided following your procedure, including specific skincare recommendations tailored to your surgical plan.
Whether you have undergone a Face+ Signature Facelift, deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, or neck lift, the same fundamental principles apply to post-operative skincare and makeup use.
For more information about facelift surgery and recovery, or to schedule a consultation at our Sydney clinic, please contact us.
