Avoid Sun Exposure after Facelift

Facelift surgery is a popular plastic surgery procedure among men and women. A facelift smooths and tightens the skin along the middle and lower face to minimize lines and wrinkles and lift and restore facial contours.

The effects of facelift surgery are considered permanent, but that doesn’t mean that new skin damage cannot develop. It is important that patients care for their facial skin following facelift surgery to preserve the results of their procedure.

One way that patients can protect facial skin is by avoiding sun exposure after a facelift. At Dr. David Passaretti practice in Darien, CT, we explain why it is important to keep the skin protected from sun damage, and offer tips that make it easy to protect the skin.

Why Should I Avoid Sun Exposure?

The sun emits harmful UV rays that are known to cause sun burn and long-term damage. This can result in lines, wrinkles, age spots, or discoloration. However, what many people do not know is that sun exposure can also interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications after a surgical procedure, such as a facelift.

Patients should avoid sun exposure after a facelift to minimize the risk of potential complications. If the facial skin is exposed to the sun while it is still healing from facelift surgery, patients are at an increased risk of:

• Increased inflammation and skin irritation
• More noticeable scars
• Skin discoloration around incision sites
• Signs of new sun damage, including new creases and wrinkles

How Long Do I Need to Stay Out of the Sun?

For optimal healing results, Dr. Passaretti advises our Darien patients to avoid the sun completely during the first week of facelift recovery. Most patients find it easy to follow this recommendation since they are recovering from the surgical procedure and in need of extra rest.

However, even after the first week of recovery, patients are asked to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. It is especially important to protect the skin around incision sites. Areas where surgical incisions have been made should be kept out of the sun for the first year following facelift surgery.

Protecting the Skin Long-term

Most people are in the sun on a daily basis. Just getting to and from work can expose the skin to harsh UV rays, so it may seem difficult to protect facial skin from sun exposure after facelift surgery. However, by following a few simple tips, patients will be able to minimize the risk of sun damage so that the results of facelift surgery are long-lasting.

• Wear sunscreen on a daily basis: Many facial lotions and makeup contain some degree of UV protection, which makes it easy to make sunscreen a daily habit.
• Cover the face: Sunscreen helps, but the facial skin should be protected as much as possible. Wide-brimmed hats make it easier to cover the facial skin and block out harmful UV rays.
• Find the shade: If a person will be outdoors for a prolonged amount of time, it is important to avoid direct sunlight. Shady areas offer some degree of sun protection.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the dangers of sun exposure after surgery, or would just like to learn more about the facelift procedure, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. David Passaretti would be happy to provide you with more information about our plastic surgery services. Call (203) 656-9999 to schedule a personal consultation.