Making the decision to have a facelift procedure is never entered into lightly. You have likely done some long and hard thinking about the implications of undergoing such a dramatic surgery. And once you’ve had a facelift, you will want to do everything in your power to ensure that your skin stays in excellent condition to make the pleasing results last as long as possible. One of the best ways to achieve this is to know the effects sun exposure can have on your rejuvenated, fresh-looking face.

Relaxing in the sun may sound like a good way to pass the time while recovering, but there are many reasons why plastic surgery patients should avoid sunbathing for several weeks after treatment. Excess exposure to both the sun and to excess heat can worsen potential negative side effects. Dr Rozina Ali, a highly qualified female plastic surgeon in London, shares with us some useful insights about the dangers of sun exposure after plastic surgery and explains how patients can enjoy being outdoors while still enjoying a comfortable and successful recovery.

Effects of sun exposure after facelift surgery

One potential side effect of plastic surgery is swelling. Any exposure to heat sources, especially the sun, can cause more swelling and inflammation. Sun exposure in the immediate aftermath of a facial plastic surgery procedure has been shown to increase the severity of side effects. Issues with bruising and swelling tend to be worse after surgery if a patient has prolonged exposure to the sun. The swelling can get very pronounced, as can issues with inflammation. This makes the healing process longer and results in a more problematic recovery.

In order to reduce swelling and inflammation, avoid all heat sources (including the sun, fireplaces, warm computers, and heating pads). Instead, apply ice or a cold compress to the swelling area. Avoid the sun completely for at least a week after surgery, and for best results, limit your exposure the following week as well.

The sun’s rays can easily change the pigmentation of the skin, causing a displeasing discolouration, or a darkening of the scars. While a tan may be pleasing to your skin per se, the sun does not favour scars and incision sites. Try and protect your sensitive scars by avoiding direct exposure to the sun for up to a year after undergoing facelift surgery.

Moreover, the skin around your incisions is particularly sensitive after surgery, so it is important to protect the skin as much as possible. When you avoid the sun, you also avoid burning sensitive skin. Burning sensitive skin will also cause scars to darken and potential skin tissue damage.

Protect your skin for the first few months post-surgery

While Dr Rozina Ali recommends avoiding harmful UV exposure for as long as possible after treatment, it is simply not feasible to stay out of the sun forever. When you do venture outside, it is important to follow a few basic precautions to prevent complications and protect the skin:

Keep covered: use a wide-brimmed hat or visor to protect your face, and wear sunglasses to shield your skin and any incision lines from sunlight. Scarves are another good way to protect your facelift incisions from exposure.
Remain in the shadows: choose the shadiest spot you can when enjoying the great outdoors. Shade from tall buildings is a good option, but if a tree is more appropriate in your surroundings, that will work too. It may not cover you completely, but it’s better than sitting in full sun.
Sunscreen: always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, apply on your incision area as well, even if it is covered by clothing. Apply at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
Do not, under any circumstances, go tanning. Especially avoid tanning machines. The only thing they can provide you with is the harm of the sun, without any of the feel-good advantages of a holiday.

Long-term prevention tips

Even after you’ve healed from facelift surgery, continued sun exposure will lead to the same kinds of problems you underwent cosmetic procedures to avoid. This includes lines and wrinkles, problems with skin texture, discolouration, and other signs of advanced age. Ideally, you want to protect your skin after surgery in order to experience lasting facial rejuvenation.

Dr Ali has always been an advocate for sun protection, even for years after a facelift. We all get older but most of the damage and ravages of ‘age’ are due to sun exposure rather than age per se. Compare a sun-protected Japanese old lady to the sun-exposed Mediterranean or European old lady - the difference is profound.

To sum up all of Dr Rozina Ali recommendations: after undergoing facial surgery, be sure to protect your skin from the sun. In the initial healing period, get ample rest and avoid direct sun exposure. Whenever possible, be sure to cover up with a hat with a brim, offering shade to those parts of your face where scars are located.

In the months after surgical healing, continue to cover up those portions of the face in the months ahead. When possible, try to limit your time directly under the sun. Not only will it affect your face, but it can also lead to other issues with your skin’s health and may even affect your vision down the road.

For more information about the facelift procedure, do not hesitate to book a consultation in Dr Rozina’s clinic, and bring up any questions or concerns you have.

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