When Can I Wear Make up After My Facelift?

When starting your research into your facelift journey, the most common questions people have include:

• Who is the best facelift surgeon in Australia?
• Is a deep plane or SMAS facelift technique right for me?

However, once you have committed to undergoing your face and neck lift surgery, the question most patients have is when can I resume normal activities, including social engagements and work commitments?

After a facelift, approaching your skincare and makeup routine with caution is essential for proper healing and to avoid complications. This guide outlines the best practices for using makeup post-surgery, allowing you to enjoy your new look safely and beautifully. Dr. Turner emphasizes the importance of understanding how your skin heals, choosing the right skincare products, and taking steps to maintain the success of your surgery. Whether you’re considering a facelift or have recently undergone one, knowing how to care for your skin during recovery is crucial.

Understanding the Healing Process

Caring for your skin after a facelift is crucial for a successful outcome. The recovery period is a critical time that requires patience, diligence, and good skincare practices.

Week 1-2: Initial Recovery Phase

During the first two weeks after surgery, your face will be extremely sensitive. Swelling and bruising will be most pronounced, and your skin will be especially delicate. It’s essential to avoid applying any makeup during this time. Allowing your skin to breathe and heal without interference is vital, as using makeup too soon can heighten the risk of infection or irritation.

Week 3-4: Gradual Reintroduction of Makeup

As you enter the third and fourth weeks after surgery, the swelling and bruising should begin to diminish, and your skin will likely feel less sensitive. However, it’s still important to avoid applying makeup directly on any of your facelift incisions or areas that are still healing. If you’re eager to start using makeup again, opt for minimal, gentle products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Mineral makeup is an excellent choice during this stage. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Week 5-6: Normal Skin Care Routine

By the fifth or sixth week, most people find that they can return to a more regular makeup routine. However, it’s still essential to be mindful of your skin’s condition. While your incisions may have healed significantly, they may still be slightly pink or raised. Silicone-based scar gels or creams can be applied to help minimize the appearance of scars before makeup application

Choosing the Right Products

Proper skincare is crucial after a facelift, and it goes hand in hand with your makeup application. Keeping your skin moisturized and protected from the sun will not only aid in the healing process but also enhance the appearance of your makeup.

1. Gentle Cleansing: Gently wash your face twice a day, using a gentle antiseptic face wash, lukewarm water and a soft cloth or your fingertips.
2. Moisturize Regularly: Your skin may be drier than usual after your facelift surgery, so it’s essential to keep it hydrated. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer twice a day to help replenish hydration and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. This will increase blood flow and promote circulation
3. Mineral Makeup: In the first few months after your facelift procedure, Dr Turner recommends mineral makeup as it is gentle and less likely to irritate sensitive post-surgery skin​. Mineral makeup is designed for sensitive skin, as they are non-comedogenic and non-occlusive so will not block pores and often contain little or no oils.
4. Sun Protection: Sunscreen is non-negotiable after a face and neck lift procedure. UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation and slow the healing process. Before applying makeup, use a lightweight moisturizer or foundation with SPF 30 or higher to protect your healing skin. It’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
5. Concealer: It may take longer than you’d expect for the bruising to fade after your face and neck lift surgery. In some cases, it may be months before your skin looks “normal” again. Some colours cover up discoloration that better than others, with colours that are opposite on the colour wheel, cancelling each other out when used cosmetically. For example, if your skin is very red, you might find that wearing a green concealer offers the best coverage. If your bruises are beginning to yellow, a purple concealer is recommended while if the bruises are still purple, yellow concealer is best.
6. Eye Makeup: Be cautious with eye makeup, as your eyes may still be sensitive after surgery. Try hypoallergenic products and avoid using eyeliner or mascara for the first 6 weeks.
7. Lips: Your lips may also be sensitive, especially if your surgery involved the lower face. Use a hydrating lip balm or a sheer lip colour that won’t dry out your lips.

Application Techniques

The way you apply makeup after a facelift can make a significant difference in how it looks and feels on your skin. Here are some application tips:

1. Use Your Fingers: When possible, use your fingers with a gentle, upwards motion to apply products like foundation as it is less likely to disturb the healing tissues. Also, the warmth from your fingers can help the product blend more easily into your skin, creating a more natural finish.
2. Avoid Pulling or Tugging: Be gentle when applying makeup, especially around the delicate skin of your eyelids. Try using a gentle patting motion with a sponge or gentle application with a soft brush when applying makeup, rather than rubbing or pulling at the skin to minimizes strain on healing incisions.
3. Less Is More: Start with a small amount of product and build up coverage only if necessary. Overloading your skin with makeup can emphasize texture or make your skin feel uncomfortable.
4. Maintain Things Sterile and Clean: Make sure to clean your makeup brushes and sponges thoroughly before using them on your post-facelift skin. When it comes to maintaining an environment that promotes healing, it is important to keep incision sites clean and free from bacteria for optimal recovery.
5. Opt for liquid or cream formulations: Liquid or cream-based products are generally easier to work with after a facelift. They provide a smoother application and are less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, which can be more pronounced during the healing process.
6. Be Careful When Removing Makeup

Extra caution should be taken when removing makeup after your facelift surgery. For best results, use a gentle makeup remover specifically formulated for sensitive skin and avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin. Instead, use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and lightly dab away the makeup until it is all removed.